Mikel Arteta is close to getting his desired top signing for Arsenal this summer, Softfootball understands. The Gunners are in the market for a top striker following their second place finish in the Premier League last season and Sweden international Viktor Gyökeres was identified as the main target.
According to transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal and Sporting are getting closer to a deal for Gyokeres after new contacts was made this weekend.
Contrary to reports last week that negotiations between clubs were off, it appears that Arsenal were still pushing for the deal as Arteta and Gyökeres desperately wants to work together.
Sporting Lisbon wants €70m plus €10m add-ons for Gyokeres but Arsenal’s initial bids were no where close to that but this weekend the Gunners have gone back with an improved offer, closer to what the Portugal League champions are demanding.
Interestingly, Gyökeres’ agent, Hasan Cetinkaya, is ready to forgo a portion of his agent commission from the transfer to help Arsenal meet Sporting’s demands and secure the services of the striker.
Gyokeres is one of the most sought after strikers in the world following his prolific seasons. He scored 97 goals in 102 matches for the club since he arrived from English Championship side, Coventry two seasons ago.
Gyokeres worked under Manchester United manager, Reuben Amorim at Sporting Lisbon and with the Red Devils need for a striker, a lot of people thought he would move to Old Trafford but the Swede decided to move to North London and join Arsenal.
Softfootball had reported earlier that Gyokeres boycotted Sporting Lisbon’s preseason so that he could force through the Arsenal move. The former Coventry striker and his representatives are angry with the club’s hierarchy, claiming that they failed to honour a gentleman’s agreement to allow him leave the club.
Arsenal have so far signed Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard and agreed a deal for Noni Madueke from Chelsea.
