Arteta stays quiet on Gyokeres talk but concedes Arsenal are short on numbers
Viktor Gyokeres is reported to be close to signing for Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta declined to comment on the progress of negotiations for Viktor Gyokeres, but made it clear Arsenal remain short of the squad depth they want as they pursue the Sporting Lisbon striker.
Arsenal are reported to be close to agreeing a €73.5 million (£63.5 million) deal, including performance-based add-ons, to sign Gyokeres.
The Gunners’ lack of a talisman up front is viewed as a key reason why they have come up short in the title race, finishing second twice to Manchester City and once to Liverpool, in each of the last three seasons.
Arsenal’s hope will be that Gyokeres can fix that issue. The Sweden international scored 97 goals in 102 appearances across the last two seasons, helping Sporting secure back-to-back league titles.
But, with reports in Portugal suggesting Manchester United could be about to hijack the deal, Arteta had nothing to offer when asked about Gyokeres in a press conference ahead of the start of their pre-season tour of Asia.
“You know I cannot comment on any player that is not part of our group yet,” Arteta said. “When we have something concrete to offer in any case to any player, we will do that.
“There’s still a long time in the window and we are seeking still.
“In terms of numbers, we are short and we have to improve the depth and the quality of the squad – and we are constantly looking in the market.
“Until that happens, again, focus on the players that we actually have, work with them, and I’m very pleased with what I have seen so far in the first 10 to 15 days.”
Arsenal have already signed Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga in the transfer window.
They are also close to the signing of Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera.
“It’s like shaking the tree again – bringing new faces, they bring new excitement, new energy as well,” Arteta said of the impact of the new signings.
“We signed very important players as well, and, again, I think everybody feels that the heights have to go to a different level and it’s what we are seeking.”