Viktor Gyokeres might not yet be an Arsenal player as the team arrive in Singapore to kick-off their pre-season tour, but this has not ruled out the Swede joining the group later. The same goes for Cristhian Mosquera who is expected to complete his move from Valencia and then join the group in the Far East.
Talks are continuing with Sporting CP to find a total agreement for the player’s transfer as both clubs look to come out on top in negotiations, with the fee understood to be agreed in principle. football.londonhas learned that more talks took place this week following the agreement over an overall fee and then to find a solution to the structure and add-ons requirements, with more set with the aim of finally finding a resolution.
The player is waiting for the deal to be agreed before he completes a medical and finally puts pen to paper, having verbally agreed on the terms of a five-year contract. He would become the sixth signing after the expected arrival of Mosquera, plus Noni Madueke, Christian Norgaard, Martin Zubimendi, and Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Those fearful that he was not on the plane with the 30 players chosen to go away with Mikel Arteta need not fear. Unlike official squad lists for UEFA tournaments, for example, the list is open, and players can join later.
Oleksandr Zinchenko, for example, signed for Arsenal from Manchester City in 2022 after the Gunners had already flown out to America. But he joined the group and then featured immediately against Chelsea in the following days.
Gyokeres could miss the games against AC Milan and Newcastle, and then be signed and brought in to play the clash in Hong Kong against Tottenham. Equally, if he misses the first two games, the club could decide to keep him in London and ready to play the two Emirates Stadium-based matches against Villarreal and Athletic Club.
Arsenal travel to Old Trafford for their opening match of the Premier League season. Ideally, Gyokeres will have had some time to integrate and train with his teammates, even play a game, before facing Manchester United and his former manager, Ruben Amorim.
Equally, there is a chance Arteta still favours Kai Havertz for the start of the season. The German has returned from a hamstring injury and is keen, regardless of the business the club do, to fight to retain his spot in the starting eleven after working hard during his rehabilitation.
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