Though there reportedly remains a debate ongoing over the nature and structure of the bonuses included, Mikel Arteta was hoping to have Gyokeres signed in time for Saturday’s departure for their pre-season tour of Asia, along with Chelsea winger Noni Madueke and Valencia centre-back Cristhian Mosquera.

Arsenal look set to solve their biggest squad deficiency as they are nearing a deal for striker Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP, with the 27-year-old close to arriving from the Portuguese club.

Arsenal have been linked with strikers for years to no avail but now it looks like the wait could finally be over. After talks with multiple attacking options including Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin