Arsenal have finally started making some hugely significant transfer decisions with two summer arrivals now confirmed. Martin Zubimendi joined Kepa Arrizabalaga in having his arrival announced on what was a very busy Sunday for the Gunners.
Swiftly after his switch from Real Sociedad was made official, Arsenal took a significant step forward in their search for a striker as talks with Sporting CP advanced for Viktor Gyokeres. Personal terms have also been agreed with the Swede to sign a five-year contract if the move goes ahead.
The Gunners are working on several deals at the same time with Chelsea's Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze of Crystal Palace becoming firm targets in the last week. That is in addition to preparations for the club's third incoming deal to be confirmed.
With all of that being said, football.london provides a fresh perspective on the latest Arsenal transfer news and rumours.
Gyokeres response to Arsenal breakthrough
Arsenal now seemed destined to sign Gyokeres with the 27-year-old very excited about the idea of joining. That had already been evidenced by his decision to reject Manchester United and Juventus with transfer guru Fabrizio Romano revealing his current stance after a huge breakthrough.
“Sporting, Arsenal and the agents are speaking constantly. Viktor Gyokeres is in contact with his agent every hour to be informed. He’s buzzing to go to Arsenal," he admitted on YouTube.
Journalist Ben Jacobs has also provided some clarity on how much the transfer could cost with it claimed £55million (€65m) will be the initial fee alongside add-ons.
football.london says: Given how he made his desire to join Arsenal very clear in the early stages of the summer transfer window, it is hardly surprising to see Gyokeres excited about his next challenge after this development.
He looks set to join David Raya, Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber as an Arsenal signing under Arteta to have turned down approaches from elsewhere for the project at Emirates Stadium. Those three players have taken the Gunners up a level and the hope will be that Gyokeres does the same.
The fee is also not astronomical, especially in comparison to the demands from RB Leipzig for Benjamin Sesko, with the add-ons likely to be based on trophies or goals scored which are certainly achievable but not guaranteed.
Norgaard announcement imminent
Following all the talk surrounding Madueke, Zubimendi and Gyokeres, it would be easy to forget that the only thing stopping Christian Norgaard being considered an Arsenal player is an official announcement.
A £15million agreement was reached with Brentford last month and now that Zubimendi has seen his switch announced, it is very likely Norgaard will receive that treatment early next week.
football.london says: With the latest rumours surrounding the big names and sizeable fees, it would be easy to not appreciate just how clever and important this signing is.
A player with years of Premier League experience, and as a captain, arriving on a low fee to bolster squad depth really makes it dream deal. It also has allowed for more of the budget to go on attacking additions which is the clear summer priority.
The way things are going, once that statement does arrive, it is feasible that Gyokeres' video announcement will start being prepared with one for Madueke, Rodrygo or Eze potentially following that.