It's set to be a busy week of transfer business for Arsenal.placeholder image
It's set to be a busy week of transfer business for Arsenal. | Getty Images
The Viktor Gyokeres transfer saga could be reaching its conclusion in a major boost for Arsenal.
Arsenal have reached a total agreement with Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres and the striker not expected to return to training with the Portuguese club as he looks to push through a move.
Recruiting a striker remains the number one priority for Arsenal this summer, having struggled for firepower without the injured Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz at times last season. Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins and RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko have been touted as options but it appears that Gyokeres will be the marquee signing for sporting director Andrea Berta.
Arsenal breakthrough in Viktor Gyokeres discussions
Gyokeres, who plundered 54 goals across all competitions last season, has also been linked with a move to Manchester United. A switch to Old Trafford would see the 27-year-old reunite with former Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim.
However, it appears that the striker has his heart set on Arsenal. In big updates on Sunday, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano wrote: “Arsenal are now getting closer to signing Viktor Gyökeres after new round of talks in recent hours.
“Gyökeres will NOT return for training at Sporting as he’s fully focused on leaving the club; Arsenal are now advancing. Nothing done yet but discussions underway.”
Shortly after sharing that update, with progress now moving quickly, Romano added: “More on Viktor Gyökeres big news. Gyökeres has reached TOTAL agreement with Arsenal on contract terms and informed Sporting about his desire to join #AFC. No intention to discuss other options, only to proceed with Arsenal as soon as possible. Deal well underway.”
Andrea Berta celebrates Martin Zubimendi transfer
Confirmation of the transfer could still take some time with financial details still to be ironed out with Sporting CP, but it would suggest that Gyokeres will become an Arsenal player in time for the start of the upcoming Premier League campaign. The Gunners begin their season with a trip to Manchester United, with headlines there for the making by Gyokeres given the Red Devils interest in his services.
It’s proving a busy week for Arsenal on the transfer front, after the announcement of Zubimendi. Reacting to the transfer in quotes shared by the official club website, Berta said: “We are so happy to bring Martin to Arsenal and have a lot of pride in finalising this transfer. Martin was a key target for us and we all know that he is a perfect fit for our squad with the high quality he has.
“We welcome Martin and his family to the club. We look forward to him settling in with his teammates and are very excited to see him playing in an Arsenal shirt.”
In other news, Arsenal transfer round-up: Gunners get striker 'green light' and focus on key contract talks.
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