Why Arsenal may delay Viktor Gyokeres transfer announcement further and it's just perfect

4 hours ago 42

Viktor Gyokeres is not an Arsenal player yet, but barring a major disaster he will be.

The Swede is set to sign at the Emirates Stadium in a deal that could be worth £63.4million with add-ons included. his signing will end a long-running saga that dates back beyond last summer's transfer window.

Gyokeres has been prolific for Sporting CP, scoring 97 goals in 102 games in two seasons with the Portuguese outfit. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will be hoping that form translates to the Premier League and the 26-year-old can fire the Gunners to the title, having finished the last three season as runners-up.

Arteta wanted Gyokeres through the door in time for the Swede to board the plane with his new teammates for Arsenal's pre-season tour of Singapore and Hong Kong, but that has not happened.

The Gunners make the trip to Asia on Saturday afternoon - after a behind closed doors friendly at the training ground with Watford - and no confirmation of a transfer has come as yet.

That would leave Arteta in a bit of a bind when it comes to his pre-season tour plans, although there are plenty of opportunities for Gyokeres to arrive in Asia a little bit later down the lilne and still get enough playing time with his new teammates.

In fact, there's a case to be made for Arsenal waiting another week to confirm the deal, for something that would really please the Arsenal supporters.

The Gunners take on AC Milan on Wednesday, July 23 in Singapore, with a game against Newcastle United to follow on Sunday, July 27.

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With Gyokeres not on the plane on Saturday, he is unlikely to play any part against Milan, even if he does sign before the match, having had little preparation time with his new teammates.

If Arsenal cannot agree terms on the breakdown of the £63.4million transfer by next weekend, the Swedish striker would also miss the Newcastle clash.

But the deal should get done in the next week or so and if it is done just before or just after the Newcastle game, there is a mouthwatering prospect in store.

Arsenal's final game of their pre-season tour of Asia is in Hong Kong is against Tottenham - the first time ever a North London Derby has taken place outside of England's capital city.

Arsenal delaying the Gyokeres announcement so he could make his debut against fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur would be quite something.

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