Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta believes the Gunners are firmly on course to unlock the full potential of Viktor Gyokeres — and defenders in training are already feeling the impact.
From Sporting Sensation to Premier League Project
Gyokeres arrived from Sporting CP last summer in a deal worth an initial £54.8m after a stunning campaign in Portugal, where he fired 39 league goals to help Sporting edge out Benfica to the title.
But life in England hasn’t been entirely smooth.
The 27-year-old managed just five goals in his first 21 Premier League appearances, with critics quick to question whether he could replicate his Portuguese form. Patience, though, appears to be paying off.
He’s now scored five goals in his last five league games, including a decisive brace in Arsenal’s 4-1 north London derby win over Tottenham Hotspur — arguably his standout performance in red so far.
Arteta: “We’re on the Right Trajectory”
Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Chelsea, Arteta made it clear there is even more to come.
The Spaniard highlighted how adaptation takes time — understanding teammates, opponents, and the rhythm of the league — but insisted the signs are extremely positive.
Perhaps the biggest compliment? Arsenal’s defenders reportedly describe facing Gyokeres in training as a “nightmare.”
That physicality, movement, and directness are exactly what convinced Arsenal to invest heavily — and now they’re starting to see the return.
Add-Ons Mounting: Another £3.5m in Play
Gyokeres’ transfer fee could ultimately rise to £63.5m thanks to performance-related bonuses — and some of those clauses are already close to being triggered.
🔹 Goal Contributions Clause
Sporting receives £436,000 every time Gyokeres hits 20 combined goals and assists (capped at £873,000).
He currently sits on 17 goal contributions (15 goals, 2 assists) — meaning just three more will trigger the next payment.
🔹 Appearance Clause
Arsenal have already paid £1.1m after Gyokeres made 20 appearances of 45+ minutes.
He is now just 10 appearances away from activating another £1.1m instalment.
🔹 Champions League Qualification
Sporting will earn £874,000 each time Arsenal qualify for the Champions League (capped at £3.5m).
If Arsenal secure European football and Gyokeres maintains his form, Sporting could collect another significant windfall before the season’s end.
Title Race Pressure Rising
Arsenal’s advantage at the summit could shrink depending on results elsewhere, with Manchester City keeping pressure on in the title race.
The Gunners host Chelsea this weekend, unbeaten in their last eight meetings with their London rivals. Still, Arteta insists previous results count for little in a high-stakes run-in.
For Gyokeres, the equation is simple: keep scoring, keep improving — and keep proving why Arsenal believed he could be the missing piece.
If the current trajectory continues, not only will the add-ons roll in — but so might silverware.
