Arsenal have had an eventful summer transfer window so far.
The Gunners have signed four players already – Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard and most recently, Noni Madueke.
Three of the above four players have travelled to Asia for the tour, but Noni Madueke’s request to join the group was rejected because he needs more rest.
Arsenal wanted to take another player to Singapore, but things have not gone to plan.
Arsenal had to cancel Viktor Gyokeres’ medical in London
Arsenal have been trying to sign Viktor Gyokeres for well over a week now.
The Gunners made the Swede their top target after a deal for Benjamin Sesko proved to be too expensive for their liking.
However, negotiations with Sporting CP have not been easy by any means, and a deal has dragged on for longer than Arsenal would’ve wanted.
Ben Jacobs has revealed that Arsenal were actually confident of landing Gyokeres a few days ago and had even booked a medical over the weekend.
But that had to be cancelled because an agreement with Sporting is yet to be reached for the ‘unstoppable‘ striker.
The journalist said on talkSPORT: “Onto Viktor Gyokeres, Arsenal are still looking to get that one over the line and are confident. We should say they’re really only quibbling, at the time of recording, over a very small number, a fee in the region of €2.5 million in add-ons and also the payment structure for the fixed fee.
“So, there’s a broad agreement in place €63.5 million plus €10 million in bonuses, of which only €2.5 million in terms of how easy they are to reach and also the general payment terms are in dispute.
“Both Arsenal and the Gyokeres side feel very clearly now that this one is going to get done imminently, whether today, tomorrow, this week…
“Actually, I was told that a Gyokeres medical was provisionally booked for last weekend, but they couldn’t quite rush it through and get it over the line. But the feeling is with sporting sources, with Arsenal sources, and those close to the player side that this deal is going to get done.”
Viktor Gyokeres will be loved at Arsenal but not just for his goals
Gyokeres is being pursued for one reason by Arsenal – to solve their goalscoring issues.
The Swede is a terrific goalscorer – Gyokeres scored 97 goals in 102 games for Sporting in his two years in Portugal. Even if he scores half of that at Arsenal, he will become a fan favourite.
However, what Arsenal fans should already love about Gyokeres is just how committed he has been to the Gunners before even joining the club.
Gyokeres has repeatedly rejected Manchester United and has been waiting for Arsenal. He hasn’t even shown up to training at Sporting in order to push through a move.
We can’t remember the last time a player went to such lengths to sign for Arsenal. That will not be forgotten by the fans if this move does get over the line.
from Arsenal Transfer News | Rumours, Deals & Targets | Arsenal Insider
Shamanth Jayaram