Arsenal are pushing to complete a deal for Sporting Lisbon frontman Viktor Gyokeres with talks ongoing as Mikel Arteta looks to land the striker he’s been after
Arsenal’s focus currently centres firmly on Viktor Gyokeres as they look to make the Sporting Lisbon frontman their fifth – and arguably most important – signing of the summer.
The Gunners are in talks with the Portuguese champions over a deal for their leading light, who is determined to leave the club. Currently the sticking point in negotiations has been the structure of add-ons in the deal, with Sporting wanting any further payments to be easily achievable.
Already Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard and Noni Madueke have arrived for more than £120million combined. Alongside Gyokeres the Gunners are also looking to land young Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera.
Mikel Arteta is determined to end the run of near misses at the Emirates as he faces criticism over a trophy drought that dates back to 2020. But a positive transfer market could change their fortunes – here’s the latest from Arsenal.
Gyokeres hint offered
Arteta refused to entertain questions about Gyokeres during a press conference in Singapore, stressing that he is not Arsenal’s player – “yet”. The Gunners are in dialogue with Sporting over a deal to land the 27-year-old as they look to finally land the striker they’ve been after.
READ MORE: Mikel Arteta confirms Arsenal’s pre-season plan ruined on day one of Singapore tourREAD MORE: Arsenal in major Viktor Gyokeres transfer breakthrough as Sporting Lisbon agree striker deal
It’s been reported that Arsenal want to have Gyokeres on board before their pre-season tour, which has now begun in Asia. Arteta was asked for an update on the situation but his response hinted at him being confident that the Swedish star will eventually be an Arsenal player.
He said: “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.”
Arteta laughs off Chelsea coincidence
Arteta claims the fact the club have continued to raid Chelsea for players is merely a coincidence after they signed Madueke from the Blues – making him the second player to move from Stamford Bridge this summer. Across Arteta’s tenure Arsenal have signed six players from their London rivals.
Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga made the switch this summer. He follows Jorginho, Kai Havertz and Willian who made the move. Last summer Arteta also signed Raheem Sterling on loan, but he puts all that down to the fact Chelsea have a large pool of quality players.
He said: “Probably because they have some great players, and a lot of players. But, yeah, we try to focus on the players that we want to sign, regardless of the club they are in. It’s probably a coincidence. What is not a coincidence is the squad and the quality of the squad. While I’m here as well, I congratulate them for winning the Club World Cup because I think it was a big achievement for them.”
Arsenal “short of numbers”
Despite landing a number of new arrivals, including Madueke and Zubimendi, Arteta has claimed the club are very open to doing more business as he believes their squad is short on numbers and needs more quality.
After spending more than £100m the Gunners boss said: “There’s still a long time in the window and we are seeking still. In terms of numbers, we are short and we have to improve the depth and quality of the squad. We are constantly looking in the market. Until that happens, [we] focus on the players we have – and I’m very pleased with what I have seen in the last 10-15 days.”
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