Arsenal convinced they can seal "huge signing" after "showdown talks"

Arsenal are reportedly garnering serious belief that they could seal a major deal pretty soon, with Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta continuing their business behind-the-scenes ahead of a pivotal Premier League campaign.

The north Londoners missed out on the title to Liverpool by some distance last season, which was partly down to injuries to key attacking players, but their lack of cutting edge in the final third was also a key factor.

Arsenal netted just 69 Premier League goals, a far cry from the 91 and 88 they'd scored in the previous two campaigns, with Berta and co working to bolster their attacking options as a result.

The Gunners appear to be targeting two wingers (Fabrizio Romano), with Arsenal holding talks over a deal for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, who could arrive in a separate deal to the likes of Chelsea winger Noni Madueke or Real Madrid forward Rodrygo.

Madueke is being considered by Arsenal and Rodrygo is believed to be a "dream" target for Arteta (Ben Jacobs), but supporters are especially keen for the club to end their drawn-out search for a prolific number nine.

RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres have both been repeatedly linked with moves to Arsenal in that regard, with an update now coming to light on the latter.

Arsenal growing in confidence they'll sign Viktor Gyokeres

The 27-year-old is reported by some to have already agreed a five-year contract at Arsenal (Sacha Tavolieri), as discussions remain ongoing with Sporting to compromise on a fee.

Now, as per journalist Pete O'Rourke, Arsenal are growing in belief they'll sign Gyokeres, and he's currently the striker in pole position to join Arteta's side before deadline day.

“My understanding is that his representatives were in Portugal for showdown talks with Sporting Lisbon to try and thrash this deal out,” he told Football Insider.

“There is a growing optimism from his side and from Arsenal that they can get it over the line. The Sweden international has been one of Arsenal’s top targets this summer.

“Gyokeres is the clear favourite now to make that move to the Emirates Stadium. There’s been a bit of an ongoing row between Gyokeres and Sporing in recent weeks.

“It’s been claimed he could go on strike because he feels they’ve gone back on a gentleman’s agreement to let him leave for below his release clause. No deal is done until it’s done, but there is a growing optimism Arsenal are finally going to get Gyokeres as their new number nine next season.

“It’s just a matter of trying to thrash out a fee with Sporting. It would be a huge signing for Arsenal because that’s an area that has been lacking under Arteta.”

Gyokeres bagged an incredible 54 goals in all competitions for Sporting last season, guiding Rui Borges' men to a first domestic double in two decades, and his ruthlessness in front of goal is exactly what Arsenal were crying out for in 2024/2025.

However, the price will be a major sticking point, and it is believed Arsenal want to sign Gyokeres for around £60 million - a figure reportedly below the Swede's current valuation of £69 million.

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