Arsenal transfer news: Viktor Gyokeres ‘threat’ amid Sporting chief’s ‘blackmail’ claim

Conflicting reports around Arsenal’s pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres suggest the Gunners may start looking elsewhere with Portuguese media reporting that Sporting Lisbon want more money

The transfer window reopens this morning and will run for 12 weeks through to its September 1 deadline. And whether Mikel Arteta finally adds the centre forward his squad so badly desires remains to be seen.

Viktor Gyokeres appears to remain the Gunners’ top target but the messages are mixed, while Benjamin Sesko remains a name featuring prominently on the rumour mills.

Aside from that Arsenal are looking towards sealing their deal for Martin Zubimendi, despite recent attempts from Real Madrid to hijack the deal, according to Spanish media.

Here are the stories to keep an eye on from in and around the Emirates – even if attention has shifted to the Club World Cup.

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Gyokeres confusion

Various reports at the weekend went hard on suggesting that the Sweden international would reject any offers from Manchester United, pointing to Arsenal being the favourites to land him.

But Record, the reputable Portuguese outlet, said on Sunday that Arsenal have submitted a bid that was furiously rejected by Sporting.

Arsenal are said to have proposed a total package worth around €70m (£60m), but Sporting want the player’s £85m release clause to be met. “Threats, blackmail and insults don’t work with me,” Sporting president Frederico Varandas said.

And that, apparently, has seen Arsenal start looking elsewhere for an alternative striker to arrive with Ollie Watkins mentioned in dispatches.

Zubimendi latest

The situation surrounding Real Sociedad’s Zubimendi also appears clear as mud thanks to conflicting reports.

The week before last it looked like a done deal. Then Real Madrid got their media machinery moving, indicating they could end up hijacking the move.

But now it looks like the La Liga giants are out of the running and that ensures a clear road for Arsenal to bring one of the most coveted midfielders around on board ahead of next season.

Window reopens

Since midnight the window has been nudged back open following a six-day hiatus as a consequence of the Club World Cup.

It will now run for a dozen weeks to September 1 – and did you know that the window Slams Shut on deadline day at the earlier time of 5pm to ensure club staff and agents can get to bed at a reasonable hour?

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