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.

Madueke missed Chelsea's 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup final to complete his transfer to the Gunners, and the 23-year-old departs Stamford Bridge having amassed 20 goals and nine assists from 92 matches for the Blues in all tournaments.