Arsenal transfer news: Viktor Gyokeres ‘mess’ revealed as Premier League rivals eye star

Arsenal have made six new signings so far this summer and there could be even more new additions before the transfer window slams shut

Arsenal have enjoyed a busy summer so far as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his squad ahead of another Premier League title challenge. Arsenal have finished second for the past three seasons and are desperate to win the league for the first time since 2004.

The Gunners have already signed six new players, with Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga all making the move to the Emirates.

There have also been several departures, with Nuno Tavares and Marquinhos sold to Lazio and Cruzeiro respectively and Jorginho, Kieran Tierney and Thomas Partey leaving after their contracts expired.

Takehiro Tomiyasu has also been released after an agreement was reached to terminate his deal a year early. However, plenty more incomings and outgoings are expected before the transfer window slams shut.

Here, Mirror Football takes a look at all the latest transfer news and rumours from in and around the Emirates…

READ MORE: Transfer news LIVE: Isak leaves Newcastle, Man Utd learn Sesko price, Liverpool eye next signingREAD MORE: Scout who discovered Viktor Gyokeres makes eye-opening comments about Arsenal star

Fulham eye Zinchenko

Fulham are considering a move for Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko this summer, according to reports.

Zinchenko struggled for game time last season, managing just eight starts across all competitions with Mikel Arteta preferring the likes of Myles Lewis-Skelly, Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber ahead of him.

It is claimed that Arsenal value Zinchenko at around £15m and Fulham have already ‘entered into talks with the player’s camp’. However, AC Milan are also said to be interested in the 28-year-old.

Gyokeres “mess”

Jonathan Chalkias, who works alongside Viktor Gyokeres’ agent Hasan Cetinkaya, has lifted the lid on the striker’s protracted move to Arsenal.

He told Swedish network WTV: “It was a mess. There was a gentleman’s agreement with the previous sporting director. If Hugo Viana were still at Sporting, the deal would have been done in an hour. Everything was written, we didn’t have time to start a legal battle.

“I don’t understand how a player who scored so many goals and won three trophies didn’t deserve more respect. The sacrifices we made were the turning point for the deal to happen. They offered Gyokeres to Real Madrid, they even made headlines with Man United, but there was a commitment with Arsenal.

“Viktor always trusted Hasan Cetinkaya’s project: they agreed to move to a league with less exposure, like the Portuguese, to win titles and return to the Premier League. At the time, there were already seven Premier League clubs interested.”

Odegaard hails Gyokeres

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is “really excited” by the signing of Viktor Gyokeres, branding the striker a “very complete player”.

“I think you’ve all seen what he’s done in his career so far, especially the last season at Sporting, the numbers speak for themselves,” Odegaard said when asked about Gyokeres. “He’s a very complete player. He’s physical, strong, fast, good finisher and intelligent as well.

“I think he’s a very complete striker and you can also see the hunger, the energy he brings. I’m really excited to have him with the team. He’s only trained a few times, but you can already see the quality, the energy and the willingness.”

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