Mikel Arteta Drops Major Hint Over Stalled Viktor Gyokeres-Arsenal Deal

Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta is confident of more new arrivals with Viktor Gyokeres (right) likely to be one of them. Photos: Imago

Mikel Arteta Drops Major Hint Over Stalled Viktor Gyokeres-Arsenal Deal

Joel Omotto 16:40 - 21.07.2025

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has commented on the club’s transfer activity which has shed light on their pursuit of striker Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has indicated that the club's summer spending spree is far from over, despite already investing over £120 million on new talent.

He hinted that further additions could join the squad during their pre-season tour of Singapore, with a £63.5 million deal for Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres reportedly nearing completion.

The Gunners have already secured the services of Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Noni Madueke. Three of the four are currently with the squad in Asia, while Madueke, a £52 million acquisition from Chelsea last Friday, is resting after his participation in the Club World Cup.

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Arteta is eager to further bolster his squad. Alongside the advanced negotiations for Gyokeres, Arsenal are also reportedly in talks with Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera over a £16.5 million transfer. Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze, valued at £60 million, also remains a target.

What Has Arteta Said Over Viktor Gyokeres Transfer?

Viktor Gyokeres and Arsenal
Arsenal are confident of landing Viktor Gyokeres.

Gyokeres, who is currently refusing to train with Sporting, has reportedly made his desire to play for Arteta clear. While there were hopes the Swedish striker would join the squad in time for Wednesday's pre-season opener against AC Milan in Singapore, Arteta remained tight-lipped.

When questioned about Gyokeres, Arteta stated, "I cannot comment on any player who is not part of our group yet. When we have something concrete to offer, we will do that."

Pressed on whether new faces would soon be joining the squad in Asia, he added, "There are a lot of parties and things that we have to bear in mind to get a player over the line and here. I'm very hopeful that we are going to do it very soon."

Arteta acknowledged the need for further reinforcements, saying, "There’s still a long time in the window and we are still seeking, in terms of numbers. We are short and we have to improve the depth and quality of the squad. We are constantly looking in the market."

Arsenal Boss Confident of More New Arrivals

Mikel Arteta is sure of adding new players to his squad | Imago Mikel Arteta | Imago

He expressed his satisfaction with the club's backing in the transfer market, highlighting the ambition and alignment within the organisation.

"Ideally you want it from day one in pre-season," Arteta explained as quoted by The Sun. “We have done very well so far, I’m very pleased with how the club has supported the improvements that we required in the team. Andrea [Berta, Sporting Director] and the team have done an excellent job trying to push everything forward. You see the club ownership and the ambition we have, the alignment we have. There is excitement about the new season."

"There's a long time to go in the window but we still have hopes we can improve the team and we will continue to try and do that. Until that happens, focus on the players we have and focus on them.”

It remains to be seen if the Gunners can seal the Gyokeres deal soon after talks stalled over certain add-ons on the deal for the Swedish striker.