Viktor Gyokeres gets honest Arsenal transfer verdict from Sporting teammates as £64m deal agreed
Zeno Debast and Ivan Fresneda have commented on Viktor Gyokeres‘ potential transfer to Arsenal. The Sporting striker has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium for a while now as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his frontline.
football.london understands that the Gunners have agreed a deal in principle to sign Gyokeres from the Portuguese champions. Arsenal will pay an initial €63.5m (£55m) for the 27-year-old, plus €10m (£8.7m) in add-ons.
Last week, talks were focused on the structure of the deal and how the add-ons would be activated. Despite negotiations dragging on, it’s understood that the north Londoners remain calm in the race for the Sweden international, who has already agreed personal terms.
Arsenal are hoping to wrap up a deal for Gyokeres, who has a five-year contract on the table, before the new Premier League season gets underway next month. In an effort to force a move, the Swede didn’t return to training this summer.
Despite their talisman being absent, Sporting have gone about pre-season as planned. On Monday night, the Portuguese champions enjoyed a 1-0 win over Sunderland at the Estádio do Algarve.
During an interview with TVI after the game, Debast was asked if the controversy surrounding Gyokeres has bothered him. As quoted by CNN, the Sporting centre-back said: “No, we continue to be a great team.”
On the need for stability, Debast added: “Yes, of course, we have a good team with a strong connection, and we’ll try to maintain this spirit. It’s one of our greatest strengths.”
Meanwhile, in the mixed zone, Fresneda was asked for the dressing room’s opinion of Gyokeres. As quoted by CNN, the Sporting right-back said: “It’s something that’s not my business.”
Speaking to reporters shortly after landing in Singapore on Sunday, Arteta expressed his delight with this summer’s business. So far, Arsenal have signed Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard and Noni Madueke.
“It’s like shaking the tree again,” said the Gunners boss. “Bringing new faces, they bring new excitement, new energy as well. We signed very important players as well. I think everybody feels that the heights have to go to different level and it’s what we are seeking.”
On Gyokeres, Arteta added: “I cannot comment on any player who is not part of our group yet. When we have something concrete to offer in any case to any player we will do that.”
On if more players could join the Arsenal squad in Singapore, Arteta said: “There’s still a long time in the window and we are seeking still, in terms of numbers, we are short and we have to improve the depth and quality of the squad.
“We are constantly looking in the market. Until that happens, focus on the players we have and focus on them and I’m very pleased with what I have seen in the last 10 to 15 days.”
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