By John Cross
Arsenal are closing in on a sensational swoop for Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres. The Gunners have an agreement in place on a five year contract in excess of 拢200,000-a-week for the Sweden international who hit a staggering 54 goals last season. But Sporting Lisbon are still determined to play hardball on the fee and want around 拢70m – with at least 拢60m up-front and more in add-ons – and Arsenal are pushing hard to get an agreement on the fee. Sweden International Gyokeres, 27, was adamant he believed there was a 鈥済entleman鈥檚 agreement鈥 in place for him to leave for 拢60m this summer. He is desperate to join Arsenal. But Sporting president Frederico Varandas insisted there was no buy-out clause and is still holding firm, although talks between the clubs are now progressing and it looks increasingly likely that Gyokeres will be Arsenal鈥檚 new No9. It will be a big coup for Arsenal鈥檚 new sporting director Andrea Berta who is effectively staking his reputation on ex-Coventry and Brighton striker Gyokeres who left English football to become a huge hit in Portugal where he scored 97 goals in 102 appearances. But there are still question marks over whether that will translate into the Premier League and Arsenal鈥檚 No1 target last year was RB Leipzig鈥檚 Benjamin Sesko who was courted this summer but no agreement has ever been reached. It is clear that Berta has championed Gyokeres over Sesko and that is an interesting development even though Mikel Arteta is also on board with the decision. Arteta wants his new signings on board for pre-season. Arsenal have been desperate to land a new No9 and they are spending big with the announcement of new 拢51m midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. They have also announced keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, they want a new defender – Valencia鈥檚 Cristhian Mosquera has been heavily linked – and have a 拢15m deal lined up for Brentford鈥檚 Christian Norgaard. The Gunners are also determined to sign a new winger with Real Madrid star Rodrygo their dream target but they will not be able to afford him and all their other deals without making a significant sale. There has been Saudi Pro League interest in Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard while Arsenal have been tracking Chelsea 鈥檚 Noni Madueke who is surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge Arsenal also need to tie down Ethan Nwaneri, 18, who is entering the final year of his contract but wants playing time and the uncertainty around his future – with him fitting perfectly into Chelsea鈥檚 model – is a huge concern. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.