Arsenal are reportedly closing in on one piece of early transfer business that would see the club inherit a much-welcomed transfer windfall.
The Gunners are preparing for a huge window after failing to win silverware for a fifth year. Much has been made of the need for a centre-forward to take Mikel Arteta’s men to the next level.
Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres is the priority target at the Emirates Stadium after scoring 95 goals in 100 appearances in Portugal. It’s reported that an agreement is in place for the Sweden international to leave the club for £60million.
Under new sporting director Andrea Berta, Arsenal are expected to push ahead with a number of pursuits with a new midfielder and winger on their radar. Martin Zubimendi is reportedly on the verge of completing a move to London while a shock link to Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon has emerged this week.
For Arsenal to add reinforcements to Arteta’s squad, player sales are required and one could be very close to being completed. According to Fabrizio Romano, a fee of around €9million (£7.5m) will be received for Nuno Tavares’ permanent move to Lazio.
The left-back joined the Italian side on loan last summer and an obligation to buy clause was included. Tavares has impressed in Rome with reports in Italy suggesting Lazio could look to sell him permanently and make instant profit.
Elsewhere, Albert Sambi-Lokonga is set to return to the club from his loan spell at Sevilla. The Belgian’s temporary move to Spain had been negotiated with a £10.25m buy-option but it’s understood that it’s unlikely to be triggered.
It’s understood that cash is tight at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan and Lokonga’s struggle for fitness has left the club no choice. The 25-year-old has one year left on his contract at Arsenal and is expected to be sold this summer.
The £7.5m financial boost from Tavares is a small injection of cash towards potential incomings with the wages of Jorginho, who is expected to leave on a free, also helping.
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