Arsenal transfer news: Viktor Gyokeres on brink of Gunners move as 'full verbal agreement' reached with Sporting Lisbon

Arsenal have reportedly reached a 'full verbal agreement' with Sporting Lisbon for Viktor Gyokeres.

The Gunners have been pushing to acquire the services of a new number nine throughout the summer transfer window and have been settled on Gyokeres for some time.

However, despite a desire to be proactive with a deal, a transfer has been held up over an asking price and a dispute between the Sweden international and Sporting's president.

At one point, the latter insisted that he would be prepared to keep Gyokeres for the duration of his contract - and accept an apology - if Arsenal did not meet the club's demands.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, an agreement has now been reached between the relevant parties in a development that should act as the catalyst for a deal being finalised.

What are Arsenal paying for Gyokeres?

Romano claims that Sporting officials made the decision to accept Arsenal's latest bid on Monday night as the saga reaches a conclusion.

Arsenal have allegedly put forward a proposal worth €63.5m (55.1m) plus €10m (£8.68m) in add-ons.

In order to help fast-track a transfer, Gyokeres' agent is said to have reduced the commission that he was initially in line to receive.

Gyokeres will reportedly pen a contract at the Emirates Stadium until 2030 with an official unveiling seemingly likely to take place later this week.

Despite the animosity between the 27-year-old and president Federico Varandas, Gyokeres will leave Sporting as a club legend, playing an instrumental role in two Primeira Liga titles being won courtesy of 68 goals and 17 assists coming from just 66 appearances in Portugal's top flight.

Final piece of the puzzle for Arteta?

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta admitted earlier this week that he had been left delighted with the signings of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard, Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke.

Cristhian Mosquera is also due to arrive from Valencia to strengthen the defence, but signing such a prolific number nine has long been Arteta's objective.

Gyokeres still has much to prove with the majority of his previous stint in English football having been spent in the Championship, where he scored 41 goals from 121 appearances. He has only ever featured on the substitutes' bench in the Premier League.

However, there will be much anticipation over whether the former Coventry City star can be as free-scoring in England's top flight as he has been in other divisions.

Arteta is also left with the dilemma of whether to use Kai Havertz in a deeper role or demote his central striker for much of the last two campaigns from the substitutes' bench.

Written by
Darren Plant