Arsenal transfer news LIVE – Viktor Gyokeres agreement, Cristhian Mosquera update, Eze move

 

 

All the latest Arsenal transfer news, including updates on Viktor Gyokeres, Alexander Isak, Cristhian Mosquera, Eberechi Eze, Rodrygo, Xavi Simons and more

 

 

Viktor Gyokeres following Sporting’s win over Benfica (Image: Photo by Maciej Rogowski/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

 

Hello and welcome to the football.london Arsenal transfer live blog on Tuesday, July 22.

 

Talks to sign Viktor Gyokeres continue at a very advanced stage, but the deal remains incomplete. However, the Gunners remain calm about the situation. They have already agreed a €63.5m (£55m) fee, with €10m (£8.7m) in add-ons.

 

However, negotiations continue about how achievable the latter aspects are, with Sporting CP driving a hard bargain. As for other potential signings, it’s understood that Xavi Simons has been considered, but Eberechi Eze would be preferred and is an option.

 

The RB Leipzig star, who’s also attracted interest from Chelsea, could be slightly cheaper than the England international, with Crystal Palace still standing firm on the £67.5m release clause being met.

 

Rodrygo also continues to be linked with Arsenal, but it remains to be seen whether or not he’ll force a move from Real Madrid. So, with that being said, stay with us at football.london as we bring you all the latest Arsenal news and transfer rumours…

 

Key Events

 

Arsenal reach verbal agreement to sign Gyokeres14:45

 

17:43Josh Holland

 

Add-ons explained

 

Portuguese outlet Record have claimed that the breakthrough in Arsenal’s move for Viktor Gyokeres came as a result of Sporting CP getting their way with the add-ons.

 

Sporting were said to have wanted the add-ons to be easily achieved. It’s said that Arsenal will pay €10m in bonuses with the triggers and payments spread out over a longer period

 

Rice and Lewis-Skelly react to Gyokeres transfer agreement

 

The news that Arsenal had reached an agreement to finally land Viktor Gyokeres appearst to have gone down well in the Gunners dressing room.

 

A video posted on Instagram by academy defender Josh Nichols showed Myles Lewis-Skelly reacting to the imminent signing.

 

Showing the ‘Here we go’ graphic posted on Fabrizio Romano’s Instagram page, Lewis-Skelly is seen smiling and saying: “Here we go”, before doing Gyokeres’ well-known celebration.

 

Declan Rice and Max Dowman also gave their sign of approval by liking the journalist’s post on the deal.

 

Romano’s popular announcements are normally the trigger of excitement among fanbases when transfers are being worked on

 

Declan Rice and Myles Lewis-Skelly could be unleashed by two Arsenal transfers

 

Mosquera bound for Singapore to join Arsenal tour

 

Arsenal are moving closer to completing a deal for Cristhian Mosquera. The Spaniard is set to fly to Singapore to link up with his new teammates and Mikel Arteta.

 

The 21-year-old can play both centre-back and right-back, helping fill the void left by Takehiro Tomiyasu, who mutually agreed to terminate his contract with the club.

 

The defender has undergone a medical with a five-year contract having been agreed.

 

Cristhian Mosquera is set to join Arsenal from

 

Arsenal reach verbal agreement to sign Gyokeres

 

Arsenal have reached a verbal agreement with Sporting CP for the signing of Viktor Gyokeres, football.london understands, as first reported by David Ornstein. The club had agreed in principle a deal of €63.5million (£55million) with €10million (£8.7million) in add-ons last just over a week ago.

 

Talks took place with Andrea Berta and the Portuguese side to find an agreement on the structure of the deal and the achievement requirements for the add-ons. Despite hope that other clubs would come in for the striker, the player’s adamance that he only wants Arsenal had worked in the North London side’s favour.

 

Gyokeres, once the complete agreement has been achieved, will undergo a medical before completing media responsibilities before the deal is announced. He can then fly out to Singapore to join his new teammates on pre-season.

 



 

Viktor Gyokeres during Sporting’s clash against GD Estoril Praia last season (Image: Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

 

Read the full story here.

 

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13:58Jake Stokes

 

Arteta drops Dowman hint

 

Mikel Arteta has left the door open for Max Dowman to become a regular in the Arsenal starting lineup. On which academy players could feature in the first-team this season, the Gunners boss said: “They have the opportunity, the window is open!

 

“Whoever knocks hard and kicks that door. We’re going to have games now and we’ll have the opportunity to see some of them, so it’s up to

Max Dowman has been training with the Arsenal first team squad on

 

ICYMI: Arteta quizzed on Gyokeres transfer

 

Speaking to reporters shortly after landing in Singapore on Sunday, Mikel Arteta commented on the signings of 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.”

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta faced the press for the first time during the club’s pre-season tour rsena

 

Gabriel heaps praise on Gyokeres

 

Gabriel Magalhaes has heaped praise on Viktor Gyokeres ahead of the Sporting striker’s potential transfer to Arsenal this summer.

 

Speaking to BBC Sport, the Gunners defender said: “Playing against [Gyokeres] last year was a challenge. He is great and had a great season. We all know he is a great player, but he is a Sporting player, not an Arsenal player.”

 

On Arsenal’s business so far, Gabriel said: “The club is doing what is best for the players and the manager. They are definitely doing their best to bring the best players that can help us, but we have to focus on what we can do out on the pitch.

 

“The players that are here are doing that. We are strong and we are getting stronger with these new players…”

 



 

Gabriel Magalhaes did the Viktor Gyokeres celebration for Arsenal against Sporting CP (Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

 

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11:31Jake Stokes

 

Xhaka eyes Premier League return

 

According to The Athletic, Granit Xhaka has informed Bayer Leverkusen that he only wants to join Sunderland. The former Arsenal midfielder has recently been linked with a move to Fenerbahce, but he has his heart set on a move to the Stadium of Light.

 

The report claims that, while club-to-club talks are ongoing, Xhaka has agreed personal terms with the newly-promoted Premier League club. The 32-year-old has reportedly asked Leverkusen to ‘close the deal rapidly’.

 



 

Former Arsenal star Granit Xhaka could be leaving Bayer Leverkusen this summer (Image: (Photo by Hesham Elsherif/Anadolu via Getty Images))

 

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11:01Jake Stokes

 

Why Gyokeres snubbed United…

 

Manchester United never stood a chance in the race to sign Viktor Gyokeres. According to Portuguese newspaper Record, as quoted by Sport Witness, the Sporting striker’s agent blocked a move to Old Trafford because he was annoyed that Victor Lindelof, another client of his, wasn’t offered a new contract.

 

The Red Devils released the fellow Swede earlier this summer, letting him go following the expiration of his deal. Lindelof is yet to find himself a new club, and he remains a free agent…

Viktor Gyokeres could be able to complete his move to Arsenal after Sporting CP make big decision

Liverpool plot Rodrygo swoop

 

According to TBR Football, Liverpool are ‘very keen’ to sign Rodrygo from Real Madrid. The 24-year-old winger has been linked with a move to Arsenal this summer as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his attack.

The report claims that Rodrygo has made it known to officials at the Santiago Bernabeu that he would like to explore his options. Los Blancos reportedly respect the Brazilian’s position, having failed to force himself into Xabi Alonso’s plans at the Club World Cup.

 

TBR Football claims Andrea Berta held talks with Rodrygo’s entourage prior to the tournament in the United States, and that the Gunners are ‘are still in the mix’. Bayern Munich are also reportedly interested.

 



 

Rodrygo ahead of Real Madrid’s clash against Paris Saint

Sporting duo comment on Gyokeres’ future

 

Zeno Debast and Ivan Fresneda have commented on Viktor Gyokeres’ potential transfer to Arsenal. On Monday night, Sporting enjoyed a 1-0 win over Sunderland at the Estádio do Algarve.

 

Speaking to TVI after the game, Debast was asked if the controversy surrounding Gyokeres has bothered him. As quoted by CNN, the 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 right-back said: “It’s something that’s not my business.”

 



 

Viktor Gyokeres during Sporting’s clash against GD Estoril Praia last seasson

Eze wants Arsenal move

In May, football.london exclusively reported that Arsenal were interested in signing Eberechi Eze this summer. It’s believed that the Crystal Palace star, who has a £67.5m release clause, would be keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium.

 

Eze, whose contract at Selhurst Park expires in June 2027, featured 34 times in the Premier League last season, scoring eight goals and providing eight assists. Playing a key role in Oliver Glasner’s side, the England international helped the Eagles finish 12th place.

 

He also fired Palace to FA Cup glory, finding the net in a 1-0 win over Manchester City in the final at Wembley Stadium.

 



 

Eberechi Eze has been linked with a summer move to Arsenal from Crystal Palace (Image: Julian Finney/Getty Images)

 

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08:30Jake Stokes

 

United offered the chance to hijack Gyokeres deal

 

According to Fabrizio Romano, intermediaries close to Sporting have offered Manchester United the chance to sign Viktor Gyokeres – again. The 27-year-old striker was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford when Ruben Amorim replaced Erik ten Hag in the dugout late last year.

 

The report claims that, despite interest from the Red Devils, Gyokeres only wants to join Arsenal. It’s said that the Swede has been ‘fighting’ to get a deal with the Gunners over the line…

Arsenal are still looking to wrap up a deal for Sporting Lisbon’s Swedish forward Viktor Gyokeres

Mosquera nears Arsenal switc

football.london understands that Arsenal could announce the signing of Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia ahead of their pre-season clash against AC Milan on Wednesday. Mikel Arteta’s side will kickstart their tour of Asia by locking horns with the Italian giants at the National Stadium in Singapore.

 

Mosquera is very close to being unveiled as an Arsenal player, and he could fly in for the match. The 21-year-old defender will offer the Gunners so much-needed support at the back this term.

Cristhian Mosquera is set to join Arsenal from Valencia

According to The Telegraph, Xavi Simons would be open to joining Chelsea this summer. The RB Leipzig maestro has been linked with a move to Arsenal in the past, but a switch has never materialised.

 

The report claims that the Gunners are interested in Simons, but the Blues are currently rated as the most attractive of the English options. It’s said that the 22-year-old is working with Ali Barat over a summer move.

 

The Telegraph claims that the high-profile agent has good links to both London clubs, having helped mediate the recent transfer of Noni Madueke. Barat also helped Chelsea wrap up deals for Moisés Caicedo and Nicolas Jackson.

Chelsea are interested in signing Xavi Simons this summer

Arsenal chip away at Gyokeres deal

football.london understands that Arsenal and Sporting have agreed a deal in principle for Viktor Gyokeres. The Gunners will pay an initial €63.5m (£55m) for the 27-year-old striker, plus €10m (£8.5m) 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 Arsenal remain calm in the race to sign the Sweden international, who has already agreed personal terms.

 

It’s said that Gyokeres has a five-year contract on the table. The Gunners are hoping to wrap up a deal for the Swede before the new Premier League season gets underway next month…

 



 

Arsenal will hope to complete a transfer for Viktor Gyokeres soon. (Image: Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

 

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06:15Jake Stokes

 

Good morning!

 

Hello and welcome to football.london’s live blog, covering all the latest Arsenal news and transfer gossip. While Mikel Arteta puts his players through their paces in pre-season training, he’ll be hoping Andrea Berta can finally wrap up a deal for Viktor Gyokeres…

Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta

Transfer update from lead Arsenal writer Tom Canton

 

– Arsenal are hoping to have Cristhian Mosquera join the squad in Asia to take part in the friendlies once the deal is finalised.

 

– Talks to finalise the move for Viktor Gyokeres continue as discussions over the structure and add-ons go on

 

– Sporting are looking to try and sign a replacement and are in talks with Almeria over a move for Luis Suarez

Viktor Gyokeres can still join the Arsenal pre-season tour in Asia

Viktor Gyokeres isn’t an Arsenal player just yet but a deal doesn’t appear to be too far away.

Sporting CP have now accelerated in their plans to replace the Swedish striker. The Portuguese side are now in talks with Almeria over a deal for 27-year-old Luis Suarez. According to Portuguese journalist Sebastião Sousa-Pinto, the Spanish club are looking for €25million (£21.6million) for the forward who has also been linked to Premier League side Sunderland.

 

The progression in this transfer is a boost to those hoping Arsenal would complete a deal for Gyokeres. Sporting would be believed only to be moving ahead with talks for their replacement striker if Arsenal were getting closer to taking their current number nine away.

Arteta drops Dowman hint

Mikel Arteta has left the door open for Max Dowman to become a regular in the Arsenal starting lineup. On which academy players could feature in the first-team this season, the Gunners boss said: “They have the opportunity, the window is open!

 

“Whoever knocks hard and kicks that door. We’re going to have games now and we’ll have the opportunity to see some of them, so it’s up to them…”

 

Back in May, Arteta hinted at what the future holds for Dowman. Speaking to reporters, the Arsenal boss said: “I think Max, probably, will be in and around the pre-season.

 

“Obviously, he’s got a very busy schedule as well in the summer, because he is in a tournament at the moment, and he’s going to need some rest.

 

“And we will pick another few from the academy as well to be in and around the team and hopefully get a nice, beautiful surprise again.”

 



 

Max Dowman has been training with the Arsenal first team squad on a regular bas

More on Gyokeres to Arsenal…

According to Graeme Bailey, Viktor Gyokeres is frustrated that negotiations between Sporting and Arsenal have been drawn out. The TBR Football journalist said: “Arsenal are so far down the line with Viktor Gyokeres, it really is just the finer details.

 

“This time last week, they thought it was done and could not imagine it running to this weekend. Arsenal are staying calm. I need to emphasise that they admit some deals are just easier than others.”

 

“In terms of the player, I am told Gyökeres himself is frustrated. He wants to be with Arsenal now. He just wants to be with his new teammates…”