Arsenal have taken a massive step forward in the race to sign Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres, reaching a personal agreement with the Swedish forward, according to a bombshell exclusive from Portuguese outlet A BOLA. The report claims the Gunners have already secured an agreement on personal terms, offering Gyökeres an annual salary of €8.3 million on a four- or five-year deal.

While negotiations between the clubs are not yet finalized, Arsenal are reportedly prepared to submit an official bid worth €75 million, a figure that could meet Sporting's expectations and satisfy the pre-agreed exit pact between the Lisbon club and the player's agent, Hasan Çetinkaya.

The agreement on salary has reportedly made a significant emotional impact on the 25-year-old striker, who is said to be highly attracted to Arsenal’s sporting project under Mikel Arteta. The club’s sporting director, Andrea Berta, has played a key role in prioritizing Gyökeres over Benjamin Šeško of RB Leipzig, whom Arsenal were previously considering for the striker role.

Despite Arsenal’s advanced position, Chelsea have not yet withdrawn from the race. Known for their financial firepower, the Blues remain a threat in the bidding war and could still try to hijack the deal by offering higher wages and a better transfer package. For Sporting, Chelsea's late involvement may be welcome news, potentially driving up the price toward Gyökeres’ €100 million release clause.

Nonetheless, all signs point to the Emirates as the striker’s most likely destination. Gyökeres is believed to have placed Arsenal at the top of his list, impressed by the club’s long-term ambition to end their two-decade Premier League title drought. Arsenal have not lifted the league trophy since the 2003/04 “Invincibles” season under Arsène Wenger at Highbury — a drought Arteta is determined to end.

The final decision, however, will not be made until after May 26, as Sporting are currently focused on winning their 22nd Portuguese league title and securing the Taça de Portugal. Gyökeres is also chasing the prestigious accolade of becoming Europe’s top scorer for the 2024/25 season, adding even more weight to his breakout campaign.

With €75 million reportedly on the table and personal terms agreed, Gyökeres to Arsenal now looks closer than ever — but Chelsea’s lurking presence means the race is not quite over yet.