Arsenal handed major Viktor Gyokeres transfer blow as Mikel Arteta 'plan' ruined

Arsenal's pursuit of transfer target Viktor Gyokeres has hit a setback as the Gunners step up their preparations for the new season.

The Gunners have made Sporting goal machine Gyokeres a top transfer target this summer but negotiations have so far been held-up over add-ons in the deal and no agreement has yet been reached to secure the Swede. It is reported that a £62m deal, including add-ons, is close to being agreed between the two sides ahead of a five year contract for 27-year-old Gyokeres.

However, until such a deal is finalised, Mikel Arteta must wait to welcome his priority target. Arsenal have already signed Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad and Brentford captain Christian Norgaard, while Chelsea winger Noni Madueke completed his transfer to the Emirates this week.

Viktor Gyokeres scored 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting. (Image: Getty)

The new trio will expect to be part of the Arsenal squad flying out to Asia this weekend as Arteta ramps up his pre-season preparations. Arsenal take on AC Milan in Singapore on Wednesday before facing Newcastle next weekend in the same stadium. They then face a controversial North London Derby with Tottenham in Hong Kong before returning to London for the Emirates Cup, where they will round off pre-season against Villarreal and Athletic Club.

However, while the Gunners will be able to debut their three new signings on their tour, Gyokeres will not be part of the squad with no deal yet agreed.

Noni Madueke completed his transfer to Arsenal this week and could be involved in their pre-season tour. (Image: Getty)

According to A Bola, Arsenal had not made a decisive move for Gyokeres as of Friday with an offer that would prompt Sporting to sanction his transfer, so the striker will remain at the Portuguese club for now. The report says there was 'no sign of life' from Arsenal in the Gyokeres talks with the most recent offer made on Monday - despite Arteta requesting a deal be completed to allow the striker to play in all pre-season fixtures. It is added that Sporting are holding out for a £70m offer, while the report does concede that Gyokeres could still join Arteta's squad in Asia if talks accelerate in the coming days.

That could open up a potential debut against Tottenham for Gyokeres, who is facing disciplinary action from his current club after failing to report for training after the summer break in an attempt to force through his Arsenal move.