Arsenal's next move after 'agreeing' Viktor Gyokeres transfer deal with key figure

Arsenal are close to reaching a verbal agreement to land Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon which could wrap up their striker search - but Mikel Arteta is already eyeing his next arrival.

The Gunners have been relatively quiet this summer with no new arrivals at the Emirates, but they've been working away in the background and could land several signings. Gyokeres has been tipped to move on following a stellar year with Sporting where he scored more than 50 times.

Arteta's priority this summer is to add a new No 9 and, after negotiations with Benjamin Sesko hit a roadblock, the Premier League club have diverted their attention to the prolific Swede.

They are now close to reaching a verbal agreement with Gyokeres’ agent Hasan Cetinkaya, according to L'Equipe. That would then leave them needing to negotiate a fee with Sporting.

Alongside that, the north Londoners are eyeing Monaco's attacking midfielder Maghnes Akliouche. He is also on the radar of both Manchester clubs, Nottingham Forest and Tottenham. His club are resigned to losing the French U21 star. They value him at around £60m after he enjoyed an impressive year last term in Ligue 1, where he was a regular.

READ MORE: Arsenal finally make Viktor Gyokeres transfer decision with 'blockbuster deal agreed'

READ MORE: Forgotten Arsenal star's next move confirmed as club issue transfer statement

Monaco chief Thiago Scuro has previously said on his possible exit: “For him to go, we have expectations. I think players at his level, not so many clubs can sign him. To go or to stay, both possibilities could be good for him."

It would further bolster an Arsenal attacking line that, when fit, now has real depth. But last season a raft of injuries exposed Arteta's side and this summer he wants to make additions that ensure they aren't left lacking once again. Gyokeres and Akliouche would compliment the likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri.

Sporting's attitude has frustrated Gyokeres this summer as they've denied there was ever a gentleman's agreement to let him leave for less than his release clause.

Club president Frederico Varandas recently said: "Sporting is calm regarding this matter. Secondly, Sporting does not need to sell Viktor Gyokeres. Fortunately, we have moved past the phase of selling our main asset.

"However, we remain sensitive to Viktor's dreams or those of any other athlete. Sporting has made a commitment that, after weeks of meetings, we will not demand the full amount of the clause; we will be reasonable regarding the amount requested for Viktor."

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.