Arsenal transfer news: Viktor Gyokeres makes bold move as updates arrive on three transfer targets

Arsenal have an important summer of transfer business to conduct and have yet to sign a player for Mikel Arteta as they look to go one place better in the Premier League

The transfer window is just days away from opening for the second time this summer with Arsenal still looking to get a first deal over the line. June 16 will see the north London side able to register signings for Mikel Arteta.

The Gunners have seen Kieran Tierney and Jorginho depart for pastures new and announced their released list but are still hard at work to secure Andre Berta’s first signing. Thomas Partey’s future remains more uncertain with his contract set to expire but the possibility of remaining at the Emirates still on the table.

In terms of new arrivals, Arsenal want to bolster their forward line. Benjamin Sesko is the primary target up front who Berta is negotiating for.

Sporting CP Viktor Gyokeres is another option, but one currently sparking controversy. Talk of blackmail and strikes have emerged from Portugal ahead of a pivotal summer for the player.

Mirror Football takes a look at some of the latest transfer news and rumours around the Emirates.

READ MORE: Leroy Sane ‘verbally agrees’ to massive contract after Arsenal transfer linksREAD MORE: Arsenal get green light for Benjamin Sesko transfer as forward stands ground over £60m move

Sesko told to avoid transfer

Slovenia boss Matjaz Kek has warned Benjamin Sesko to avoid a mega-money move to Saudi Arabia. The RB Leipzig forward has drawn interest from Arsenal, with the Gunners in talks over landing the striker this summer.

“I would advise him never to go there,” said Kek. “At least not at his age. This is a great recognition, these are clubs that mean a lot.

“It’s not that I underestimate the Saudi league, on the contrary, I worked there at Ittihad and the club is still a part of me, I also watch the league regularly, but the time will come for that.

“I am sure that Benjamin himself and the people who care for him will be smart enough and find a solution. That is, he goes somewhere where he can play football, because that is the only way he can be happy.”

Rodrygo clarifies stance

Rodrygo appears to have moved to clarify that he is happy at Real Madrid despite ongoing transfer links to Arsenal. The Brazil international is among the names on Andre Berta’s summer shortlist, amid speculation he was not content at the Bernabeu.

A deal requires the 24-year-old star to push for a transfer however. The attacker is set to feature for Los Blancos in the Club World Cup and faces no shortage of competition among Real’s frontline options since the arrival of Kylian Mbappe.

But it seems Rodrygo has attempted to play down any notion of discontent with a post on social media. On Instagram he posted: “Happy,” accompanied by a smiley and white love heart emoji.

The image on display showed Rodrygo in Real Madrid training. Perhaps an indication he is in no rush to move.

Gyokeres ‘to strike’

Viktor Gyokeres has told Sporting CP chiefs that he is willing to go on strike after the club went back on an agreement with the Swedish striker, according to reports in Portugal.

Gyokeres has been left furious after his current side raised his traansfer fee having already agreed that the 27-year-old would be allowed to leave for significantly less than his release clause. Sporting are still set to honour that but are now demanding £67m instead of £50million plus £8.4m in add-ons, per Record.

Sporting have rejected that agreement was in place and the club’s president, Frederico Varandas has hit back with a fiery response claiming he will not be blackmailed or threatened to do a deal.

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