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New Delhi: Arsenal added another big name to their summer spending spree as they have completed the high-profile signing of Sweden international Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon. The 27-year-old striker, who was one of Europe’s most in-demand forwards, joins the Gunners on a five-year deal worth up to €73 million.

The move was delayed slightly due to negotiations over add-ons but Arsenal and Sporting finally reached an agreement consisting of a €63m base fee with an additional €10m in performance- bonuses. Gyokeres was impressed by Mikel Arteta’s side after facing them in the Champions League last season and his team’s 5-1 loss clearly left a mark.

Speaking about his decision, Gyokeres admitted Arsenal’s dominant performance against Sporting influenced his choice. “I just felt it was the right club for me,” he said. “When I played against them, I could really feel it was a very strong team and very difficult to play against.”

He also credited conversations with manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta as key factors. “What I heard from Mikel and Andrea, and what I’ve seen over the years in the way they play football, made it clear for me.”

Deadly striker returns to England

Gyokeres returns to English football after a stellar two-season spell in Portugal where he scored an astonishing 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting. He found the net 54 times in 52 games last season alone including a Champions League hat-trick against Manchester City and a goal in the Portuguese Cup final win over Benfica.

A former Brighton and Coventry City player struggled to break into Brighton’s senior setup early on, going on several loan spells including a productive stint at German side St Pauli. But it was at Coventry where he truly found his rhythm, scoring 43 goals in 116 appearances and earning a move to Sporting in 2023.

Arsenal’s attacking line grows

Arsenal manager Arteta was full of praise for his new striker. “Viktor has so many qualities. He’s quick, strong and has incredible goalscoring numbers. His movement in the box and ability to convert chances make him a huge asset,” he said.

Gyokeres becomes the Gunners’ sixth major signing this summer following Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke, and Cristhian Mosquera taking Arsenal’s summer spending to approximately £204m.

With a reinforced squad and a proven goal machine up front, Arteta’s men are sending a clear message ahead of the new season that they mean business.