Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta’s latest move for an attacker has been hijacked by Premier League champions Liverpool, with the Gunners now resigned to losing out in the race for his signature despite reaching an initial agreement.
Club identify replacement for £60m star who's agreed terms with Arsenal
The Gunners are working towards signing him.
ByEmilio GalantiniJul 29, 2025
Over the weekend, Mikel Arteta was handed a major boost with the arrival of prolific striker Viktor Gyokeres – subsequently ending a long-winded transfer saga and Arsenal’s search for a proven goalscorer.
19/20 – winter
£0
20/21 – summer
£81.5m
20/21 – winter
£900k
21/22 – summer
£156.8m
21/22 – winter
£1.8m
22/23 – summer
£121.5m
22/23 – winter
£59m
23/24 – summer
£208m
23/24 – winter
£0
24/25 – summer
£101.5m
24/25 – winter
£0
25/26 – summer
£208m
Gyokeres, who scored an incredible 97 goals in 102 total appearances for Sporting CP, also spearheaded their charge to a first domestic double in around 20 years last season, and Arteta will be hoping he can inspire similar trophy exploits in north London.
“We do have plans, we do have a lot of options and we are increasing the quality of the squad and the depth of the squad with all the signings that we’ve done,” said Arteta about Gyokeres’ arrival.
“We are super happy to have Viktor with us, it’s been a long journey to get him over here. He’s been incredible, he was very clear from the beginning where he wanted to play and how passionate I felt from him from day one when we first spoke. You can see the boys, you can see the environment as well, very excited with his arrival.”
The 27-year-old was unveiled before a Singapore crowd of Arsenal supporters just prior to their 3-2 friendly win over Newcastle United, and Gyokeres could make his debut against Tottenham on Thursday.
The ex-Coventry City star joins Noni Madueke as Berta’s two major attacking signings of the window, but there is a belief that Arsenal could soon open talks with Crystal Palace over a deal for Eberechi Eze after contacting the England international’s camp on a regular basis (Fabrizio Romano).
Multiple reports have already claimed Eze’s agents and Arsenal are in broad agreement over personal terms – so this could be one to watch.
Liverpool hijack Arsenal deal for Salford City striker Will Wright
However, while it’s been an excellent window for the north Londoners, with Berta making a serious splash in his first summer at the club, they won’t be having it all their own way.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool have hijacked Arsenal’s deal for Salford City striker Will Wright.
Arteta’s side verbally agreed a deal to sign the teenager a fortnight ago, but the Reds have now swooped in to beat them in the race for his signature.
Wright even completed his medical on Merseyside yesterday, with there being zero hope of Arsenal fighting their way back.
The 17-year-old is now a new Liverpool player, coming after a phenomenal pre-season at Salford – a club owned by members of Man United’s class of 92.
Wright made his senior debut for them in an FA Cup defeat to Man City last season, and made three more competitive senior appearances before sealing his move to Anfield.
According to The Mail, Nottingham Forest, Leeds United and Rangers also made late enquires, but the trio, like Arsenal, are set to miss out on the highly-rated young forward.
