Arsenal transfer news: Mikel Arteta breaks Viktor Gyokeres silence as Gunners 'close in' on full Sporting agreement

Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has remained typically tight-lipped on his side's pursuit of Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres.

The Gunners are still attempting to find a breakthrough in talks for the Sweden international, but it is understood that they are close to reaching a full agreement with Sporting.

Gyokeres has turned down the chance to move to Manchester United, Juventus and Saudi Arabia due to his desire to join Arsenal, whom he has already agreed a long-term contract with.

All that is left for the Gunners to do is agree an add-ons structure with their Portuguese counterparts, but despite the hold-up, there is confidence that a deal will eventually go through.

Defender Gabriel Magalhaes recently talked up the former Brighton & Hove Albion and Coventry City man, and Arteta was inevitably asked about the Gyokeres situation by the press after landing in Singapore for Arsenal's pre-season tour.

Arteta tight-lipped on Gyokeres Arsenal transfer

However, in quintessential fashion, the Spaniard refused to divulge the details, saying: "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," as quoted by football.london.

Nevertheless, Arteta admitted that his side were still "constantly looking" for improvements in the market, as the Gunners boss bids to welcome new faces to the club after Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Christian Norgaard.

"There’s still a long time in the window and we are seeking still, in terms of numbers, we are short and we have to improve the depth and quality of the squad," he added.

"We are constantly looking in the market. Until that happens, focus on the players we have and focus on them and I’m very pleased with what I have seen in the last 10-15 days."

Madueke was not called up to the Arsenal squad for their pre-season tour of Asia following his Club World Cup exploits with Chelsea, but Norgaard, Kepa and Zubimendi have all arrived in Singapore ahead of their unofficial debuts.

Arteta responds to question about Thomas Partey charges

Norgaard and Zubimendi will replace Jorginho and Thomas Partey, the latter of whom was charged with five counts of rape and one of sexual assault against three women shortly after his contract ended.

Partey continued to play for Arsenal for three years while under investigation for the alleged offences, but when asked whether the club followed the correct processes, Arteta was defiant in his answer.

"100%, yes," he responded. "The club was very clear in its statement. There are a lot of legal matters that are very complicated so I cannot comment on any of that."

Arsenal were previously in talks to extend Partey's contract before charges were brought against him, but they could not come to an agreement with the 32-year-old Ghana midfielder.

The Gunners commence their pre-season tour against AC Milan on Wednesday, before subsequent clashes with Newcastle United on Sunday and North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on July 31 in Hong Kong.

Written by
Ben Knapton