In what is shaping up to be one of the most dramatic transfer stories of the summer, Sporting Lisbon president Frederico Varandas has made a bombshell admission regarding the future of his star striker, Victor Gyökeres. The Sporting chief, in an unusually candid interview with Portuguese media, confessed his personal struggle with letting the player go.
“I really wanted to frustrate his career but have given up already,” Varandas revealed, indicating the emotional and strategic battle behind the scenes. “Meanwhile, he will be in London on [DATE] to complete his Arsenal move.” This unexpected honesty from a club president has stunned both fans and insiders alike.
This stunning revelation all but confirms that Arsenal have won the race to sign the prolific Swedish striker, who lit up Portuguese football last season with a remarkable 43 goals across all competitions. The Gunners had been linked with Gyökeres for months, and it now appears that a deal is on the brink of completion.
Sources close to the deal suggest the 26-year-old forward will travel to London within the next 48 hours to undergo his medical and finalize personal terms. It’s believed the fee could reach up to £85 million, including bonuses—a massive investment from the North London club and one of the biggest in their history.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been a long-time admirer of Gyökeres, seeing him as the missing piece in the Gunners’ attacking puzzle. Known for his explosive pace, clinical finishing, and physicality, Gyökeres fits Arteta’s system perfectly and is seen as the ideal No. 9 to lead Arsenal’s front line in the Premier League and Champions League.
Sporting Lisbon had long hoped to retain their top scorer, but mounting pressure and Gyökeres’ desire to play in England made a deal increasingly inevitable. The player himself is reportedly eager for the move and sees Arsenal as the perfect step forward in his career.
The striker’s anticipated arrival in North London marks a significant shift in Arsenal’s transfer policy. After narrowly missing out on the Premier League title last season, Arteta is clearly determined to bolster his squad with top-tier talent, and Gyökeres is viewed as a game-changing acquisition.
Meanwhile, fans of the club have erupted with excitement across social media platforms, celebrating the potential signing as a statement of intent. Many see this as the kind of marquee move that signals Arsenal’s readiness to compete with Europe’s elite.
Frederico Varandas’ startling confession adds an extra layer of intrigue to the deal. His remarks suggest that internal tensions and player pressure ultimately forced Sporting’s hand, making it impossible to block the move any longer.
With a medical now expected imminently and personal terms nearly agreed upon, Arsenal could be just days away from officially unveiling their new star striker. If everything goes according to plan, Victor Gyökeres will become one of the most expensive players in Arsenal’s history—and possibly one of the most impactful.
