Arsenal chief's reputation on line with Victor Gyokeres vs Benjamin Sesko transfer decision

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 £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 £70m - with at least £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 “gentleman’s agreement” in place for him to leave for £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’s new No9.

It will be a big coup for Arsenal’s 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’s No1 target last year was RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko who was courted this summer but no agreement has ever been reached.

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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 £51m midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. They have also announced keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, they want a new defender - Valencia’s Cristhian Mosquera has been heavily linked - and have a £15m deal lined up for Brentford’s 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 ’s 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’s model - is a huge concern.

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