Mikel Arteta's squad is set to receive the reinforcements required to launch an even stronger Premier League title challenge but hurdles remain around Viktor Gyokeres' arrival from Sporting Lisbon
Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta wants a number of new faces at Arsenal this summer
Arsenal’s move for Viktor Gyokeres appears to be back on track following various reports around clauses being activated and personal terms being agreed.
Yet the biggest stumbling block of all remains with Sporting Lisbon not yet showing signs that they will succumb to accepting a lower fee than his €100m release clause.
The wait goes on for Martin Zubimendi’s move from Real Sociedad to be announced, while talk of an audacious move for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze is picking up.
And that all means that only one summer transfer has so far been officially completed, with Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga arriving to compete with David Raya for the starting job.
Here is the state of play at Arsenal as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his squad with just over a month to go before the Premier League's new season kicks off.
A clause in Gyokeres' Sporting Lisbon contract that will see the star's agent receive 10 per cent of any bid above £52million (€60m) rejected came into force on Tuesday.
And that may strengthen Arsenal's hand further as they look to seal the signature of one of Europe's most coveted centre forwards with L'Equipe claiming, via his representatives, that the Sweden international has agreed personal terms on a five-year deal with the Gunners.
That means the only hurdle between Gyokeres arriving in north London is the transfer fee - an issue that could soon be solved with the 10 per cent rejection clause now in force. Conversely, it could also further exacerbate the issues between the player, his representatives and the club from whom he wants to depart.
Those reports have coincided with Manchester United appearing to end their interest in Gyokeres, with suggestions now that they will try to bring Ollie Watkins to Old Trafford from Aston Villa. The England striker was subject to firm interest from Arsenal in January.
Arsenal were previously interested in Ollie Watkins.
Arsenal were previously interested in Ollie Watkins.
Should Gyokeres seal his move to the Emirates then interest in RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko is likely to grind to a halt. Talks have been taking place with the Bundesliga star but, similar to the situation with Sporting, no fee has been agreed.
There has always been little prospect of both stars arriving at the Emirates this summer.
There are no issues around Martin Zubimendi’s imminent arrival with a £51m deal and personal terms already agreed.
The Spain midfielder should be announced as an Arsenal player soon with Arteta bolstering his midfield ranks further with only the Is to be dotted and Ts to be crossed regarding a move for Brentford’s Christian Norgaard.
Eberechi Eze
Eberechi Eze has now been linked with a move to the Emirates
Arsenal’s academy let Eberechi Eze go when he was 13. Now the club would like to have him back so he can ease the pressure on captain Martin Odegaard as the team’s chief creator and Mirror Football reported earlier this week that talks have been held.
Crystal Palace will look for £68m to sell their prized asset, while the FA Cup winners may also be resigned to losing their skipper Marc Guehi to Liverpool because he has entered the final 12 months of his deal.
Yet Eze is among the Premier League’s most exciting attackers and Arsenal may well consider that price tag worthwhile if he can help turn second place into top spot.
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