It was only three full days ago where we detailed the reasons behind why Arsenal were not just simply paying Sporting CP what they wanted to get the deal done for Viktor Gyokeres. “Just pay the money!” were the cries from many within the fan base as fears that a deal would drag beyond the halfway point of the summer window.
It might come as a surprise that Arsenal have agreed to their fifth transfer of the summer following Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard, and the imminent arrival of Noni Madueke before July 16, the official midway point of the summer window, which opened on June 1. The speed and precision with which the Gunners have worked so far are just different.
Arsenal are expected to close a deal for the Swede in a £63.4million deal including add-ons, soccerhuz.com understands.
That comes down to their new sporting director Andrea Berta. During times like the previous two windows, Mikel Arteta would catch stray criticism regarding the club’s business when it was not down to the Spaniard to get the players through the door.
Arteta was always very forthright when it came to answering questions on transfers. He made his statement very clear about wanting a striker, saying the squad was short, yet still people pointed the finger at him. Shock, horror, a new sporting director arrives and suddenly Arsenal have five, nearly six with Cristhian Mosquera, wrapped up before the pre-season tour.
Granted there is some bad memories from 2024 which stick in people’s minds, but the “head loss” that was seen across social media so early as Sporting stuck to their guns on a price and a clause regarding an agent fee, which in the end, has been understood to have been waived so that the deal will get done.
Had Arsenal just stumped up the money Sporting wanted, Gyokeres might have been in a few days earlier than he would have done otherwise. But they would’ve paid more, weakened their negotiating position with other clubs and perhaps even restricted themselves so future targets, such as Eberechi Eze, might instead become unobtainable.
Berta has been vindicated in his approach to the discussions with Sporting and as Arsenal’s players prepare to return from Spain, they could be welcomed back by not one, not two but potentially three new teammates this week. Madueke, Gyokeres and Mosquera could be all on their way and the scariest, or rather most exciting, part… Arsenal are not finished!
