Fabrizio Romano has lifted the lid on “secret” talks that took place between Arsenal and Sporting Lisbon in the last 24-48 hours over Viktor Gyokeres.
The Sweden international has established himself as one of the most prolific centre-forwards in world football in the last couple of years, and he’s now expected to make his way to the Emirates Stadium.
Alfredo Pedulla provided CaughtOffside with his exclusive insight into the Gyokeres to Arsenal deal, with Manchester United also trying to position themselves as contenders for this signing.
And now Romano, speaking on his YouTube channel, says that this deal has sped up after secret meetings in the last 24-48 hours…
Fabrizio Romano on Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal transfer
Discussing Arsenal’s move for Gyokeres, Romano said: “Today guys, we have to open with a big bomba that will mark this summer transfer window because Victor Gyokeres to Arsenal – that here we go is expected very soon. Could be a matter of hours maximum days but Arsenal are getting really really close to signing Victor Gyokeres.
“It’s a big one because Arsenal have been looking for a striker for a long time, but now we are almost there in this race to find the new number nine for Mikel Arteta, and Viktor Gyokeres looks to be the man.
“Why? What happened in the last 24 48 hours, in secret, in silence in Portugal with direct talks Arsenal have been advancing a lot in conversations with Sporting for Victor Gyokeres.
“What happened in the last 24-48 hours is that Gyokeres told, in a very clear way to Sporting, that he only wants to go to Arsenal, that he’s not going to show up for training next week.
“He’s not going to play for the club anymore. He wants to go to Arsenal. There is an agreement between Viktor Gyokeres’ agents and Arsenal, with the director Andrea Berta. The contract is ready – it’s a long-term deal. The salary is agreed. The world package is okay. Gyokeres accepted every condition offered by Arsenal after conversations.”
Romano added: “He’s pushing to go to Arsenal and now the deal is really close. So what a day for Arsenal.”
Arsenal finally find their striker solution
Arsenal didn’t get a single player into double figures for league goals last season as they missed out on the Premier League title, finishing in second place for a third year in a row.
It’s clear that someone like Gyokeres was urgently needed this summer, so fans will surely be delighted with today’s news.
With someone like Gyokeres coming in and potentially adding 20-30 goals a season, that could make Mikel Arteta’s side favourites for the title next term.
Arsenal have also signed Martin Zubimendi to strengthen their midfield after the departures of both Jorginho and Thomas Partey, while Kepa Arrizabalaga has joined as the club’s new backup goalkeeper.
Gyokeres scored 20 goals from open play, 19 on penalties for the 39 league goal total. Translating that to the Premier League is usually difficult for players who come from other European teams.
First, it is impossible to imagine Gyokeres getting 19 penalty opportunities in one season. Last season Liverpool were awarded 9 penalties, while Arsneal were awarded a paltry 2 (Transfermarkt).
Second, scoring from open play is difficult in the Premier League/ Defenses are both more physical and more athletic, meaning it is harder to get open, to time to get off a shot is less, and it is harder to maintain control of the ball.
If Gyokeres is going to be considered a success, Arsenal management and fans will likely need to set realistic expectations to avoid having him dubbed a flop as they did Nicolas Pepe.
Pepe scored 10 goals in his first season for Arsenal as he split time on the right wing with Bukayo Saka, , but his gaudy Ligue 1 number had Gunner fans envisioning the same kind of outpot. That he only played half the minutes, and that the Premier League is harder to score in, somehow was not factored into calculations of his quality.
Gyokeres will have no significant rival for minutes, so that is one point in his favor. He will be coming in as the undisputed #9; but is is reasonable to expect 20 league goals in the Premier League from a player who scored 20 league goals from open play in Liga Primera?
A more important question is; if Gyokeres can’t score 20 league goals, is he the right player for Arsenal to sign?
Considering the Swede will cost upwards of 70 million and earn upwards of 250,000 per week; if he can’t perform at the necessary level, Arsenal will be stuck with him; like Man U are with Hojland, Antony, Casemiro, Maguire, et. al.?
Arsenal front office management has been patient with Arteta; he seems to have the Kroenke family’s trust. After all, they stuck with him when he finished 5th, 8th, 8th, 5th, 2nd, 2nd, and 2nd; with his only trophy to date one he shared with Unai Emery in his first half season.
Fans were calling Arsene Wenger’s head (and the Kroenke’s gave it to them) after a similar dry spell; and that was after he’d won the league 3 times and won 7 FA cups.
Even if Gyokeres flops in his first season, Arsenal will probably stick with him, and Arteta; provided there is not a huge drop in the table. If, however, he turns out to be the second coming of Rasmus Hojland and Arsenal drop to third, fourth, or (heaven forbid) fifth, will this be enough to trigger the; ‘you’re being sacked in the morning’ chants from the Emirates’ stands?