In a bold twist that’s shaking up the transfer market, Saudi giants Al-Hilal have launched a surprise bid to sign red-hot striker Viktor Gyokeres — one of Arsenal’s top summer targets.
After failing to lure Napoli star Victor Osimhen with a jaw-dropping £33.7 million-a-year deal, Al-Hilal have shifted their sights to Sporting CP’s Swedish goal machine. The Saudis are reportedly ready to splash £55 million on the transfer and tempt Gyokeres with a staggering £29.5 million annual salary — excluding bonuses.
But there’s a catch: just like Osimhen, Gyokeres isn’t biting.
Despite the cash on the table, the prolific 27-year-old, who netted 54 goals and 13 assists in 52 games last season, is staying loyal to Europe’s elite competitions. He’s eyeing Champions League football and top-flight action across the continent — not the desert lights of Riyadh.
That’s good news for Arsenal.
The Gunners, who are juggling striker options this summer, already have a verbal agreement with Gyokeres as they keep tabs on Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig. While Sesko remains the club’s priority due to his youth and Premier League-friendly playing style, Gyokeres is being lined up as Plan B should talks with the Slovenian fall through.
Arsenal’s negotiations with Leipzig continue, with the German side valuing Sesko between £67m and £84m — a hefty fee that could delay a deal.
Meanwhile, the Gyokeres tug-of-war just got a whole lot spicier. Will Arsenal act fast before Saudi millions change the striker’s mind?
Stay tuned — this one’s heating up.
