Sporting CP have been actively negotiating with Spanish side Almeria for their striker Luis Suarez.
This comes as a boost for Arsenal, who are pushing to bring Viktor Gyokeres to the Premier League in the coming weeks.
Manchester United and Liverpool have also been linked, but the Gunners are firmly in control of the race.
Sporting CP To Finalise Deal for Almeria Forward Luis Suarez
According to transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano, Sporting CP has lined up an underrated replacement for Viktor Gyokeres. They are in advanced talks with Segunda side Almeria, with an agreement looking increasingly likely.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Romano revealed:
“Understand talks between Sporting and Almeria for Luis Suárez have accelerated in the recent hours!
“Agreement close for the striker to join Sporting with final details to be sorted this week.”
🚨🟢⚪️ Understand talks between Sporting and Almeria for Luis Suárez have accelerated in the recent hours!
Agreement close for the striker to join Sporting with final details to be sorted this week.
Almost there. ⏳🏁 pic.twitter.com/4Dr7WBzfS3
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 20, 2025
Sporting CP would get a prolific striker in Suarez, who scored 31 goals in 43 games for Almeria. The signing initially proved to be a challenge, as Mallorca were holding out for his €40 million (£34.6 million) release clause.
The teams have seemingly found middle ground in recent hours, as talks have now entered the final stages. This progress does not bode well for Sunderland, who were also interested in signing Suarez this summer. With Suarez likely to slip away, Sunderland have turned their attention to Ajax’s Chuba Akpom.
Luis Suarez Paves the Way for Viktor Gyokeres’ Move to Premier League
Just over a week ago, Arsenal agreed to pay a fixed £55 million fee for Sporting’s forward Viktor Gyokeres. Many expected the breakthrough to be decisive, but Arsenal and Sporting have yet to agree on add-ons.
Sporting want the Premier League side to pay €10 million (£8.7 million) in add-ons. The two clubs’ representatives met last week to discuss the conditions of the bonus payments, but could not finalise the deal.
🚨Arteta on Gyokeres: "I cannot comment on any player who is not part of our group yet."
“Yet” 👀 pic.twitter.com/uK8SLWlv1H
— Centregunners (@Centre_gunners) July 21, 2025
In a recent interview, Sporting president Frederico Varandas said he was happy to keep Gyokeres at the club if Arsenal did not pay his “fair market value.”
Gyokeres has responded to it by going on strike. His legal representatives sending a letter to Sporting, accusing Varandas of going back on his word and making the ordeal difficult for the Swedish forward.
Recently, a removal van was spotted outside Gyokeres’ residence in Portugal, suggesting an imminent move.
Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta Discusses Viktor Gyokeres Transfer
Mikel Arteta has taken his team on their pre-season tour to Singapore and Hong Kong. With the Viktor Gyokeres deal progressing rapidly, reporters naturally asked him to comment on the situation.
Arteta handles the curveball with ease, refusing to comment about someone who was not a part of his squad “yet.”
He said (via Sky Sports):
“I cannot comment on any player who is not part of our group yet.
“When we have something concrete to offer in any case to any player, we will do that.”
Gyokeres enjoyed a stellar 2024/25 campaign at Sporting. Playing 52 games for the club in all competitions, scoring 54 goals and providing 13 assists.
According to the best football betting sites, Arsenal have a 9/4 chance of winning the Premier League this season. Only Liverpool — 2/1 — have better odds.
