VIDEO: Viktor Gyokeres replaced already! Sporting reveal Arsenal-bound striker has already been stripped of shirt number

The Swedish striker arrived in London on Friday ahead of a medical and is expected to finalise his transfer to Arsenal in the coming days. The deal is reportedly worth £55 million ($74m), with an additional £8.5 million ($11m) in potential bonuses.

Harder joined the club in September 2024 from Danish side Nordsjaelland in a deal worth £17m ($23m). The move was seen as a coup at the time, especially given that Brighton & Hove Albion had also submitted a bid accepted by his former club. Despite the Premier League opportunity, Harder chose Sporting for the next step in his career. He managed only seven starts in the Primeira Liga, as his development stalled due to limited opportunities with Gyokeres emerging as the first-choice striker.

Once the transfer formalities are completed, Gyokeres will join Arsenal’s pre-season tour in Southeast Asia. However, Sunday’s friendly against Newcastle United may come too soon for his debut. Instead, his first appearance in a Gunners shirt is expected to come in Thursday’s headline clash against Tottenham Hotspur in Hong Kong.