Viktor Gyokeres should be in Arsenal’s squad as soon as possible before they leave for their preseason tour this weekend.
Arsenal’s pursuit of transfer target Viktor Gyokeres has hit a setback as the Gunners step up their preparations for the new season.
The Gunners have made Sporting goal machine Gyokeres a major transfer target this summer but negotiations have so far been held-up over add-ons in the deal and no agreement has yet been reached to capture the Swede. It is said that a £62m agreement, including add-ons, is close to being finalized between the two parties ahead of a five year contract for 27-year-old Gyokeres.
However, Mikel Arteta will have to wait to greet his top target until such a transaction is finalized. Arsenal have already signed Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad and Brentford captain Christian Norgaard, while Chelsea winger Noni Madueke completed his deal to the Emirates this week.
The new trio will expect to be part of the Arsenal squad flying out to Asia this weekend as Arteta ramps up his pre-season preparations. Arsenal will play Newcastle in the same stadium the following weekend after playing AC Milan in Singapore on Wednesday. They then face a controversial North London Derby with Tottenham in Hong Kong before returning to London for the Emirates Cup, where they will close up pre-season against Villarreal and Athletic Club.
Nevertheless, Gyokeres will not be included in the squad as no deal has been reached, even though the Gunners will be able to make their debut with their three new acquisitions during their tour.
A Bola claims that as of Friday, Arsenal had not made a firm offer for Gyokeres that would have prompted Sporting to approve his transfer, therefore the striker would stay with the Portuguese team for the time being. According to the report, despite Arteta’s insistence that an agreement be reached that would allow the striker to participate in all preseason games, there was “no sign of life” from Arsenal in the Gyokeres negotiations, with the most recent offer being made on Monday. It is noted that Sporting are holding out for a £70m offer, however the publication does allow that Gyokeres might still join Arteta’s team in Asia if discussions intensify in the coming days.
Gyokeres, who is facing disciplinary punishment from his current club for failing to return for training after the summer break in an attempt to push through his move to Arsenal, may be able to make his debut against Tottenham.
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