EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal stay cool in Gyokeres saga despite late Man United interest

Arsenal refuse to lose focus as the Viktor Gyokeres deal enters its final stages, despite Sporting Lisbon’s attempts to ignite late drama by offering Manchester United a way into the race.

The Swedish striker has been at the centre of a long-running transfer saga, but Arsenal sources have remained calm and consistent in their message that the deal is nearly done.

The noise around United’s sudden involvement has raised eyebrows, but says more about Sporting’s strategy than it does about any genuine threat to Arsenal’s position.

With the Portuguese club holding out for maximum value, they have invited late interest in a bid to drive up the price or adjust the terms of payment in their favour.

United have indeed been approached with a final opportunity to enter the race, but the reality is less dramatic than it may appear.

Gyokeres' xG map for Sporting this past seasonOpta by StatsPerform

While Ruben Amorim has continued admiration for Gyokeres, United have not viewed the 27-year-old as a top priority since Arsenal began to push hard for a deal in June.

They are also not in a strong financial position to move with the speed that Sporting would likely demand. Gyokeres’ release clause and payment structure would require up-front clarity, something Arsenal have already been working through with precision.

That clarity has come with caution. Arsenal are known to be meticulous about how payments are structured, especially under the financial parameters they are operating within.

Delays in finalising Gyokeres’ move are not down to any lack of agreement between the player and club but are tied to minor but important payment details.

Sporting, as always, are driving a hard bargain and it is understood Arsenal have been pushing back in areas where they feel compromise is possible.

The key, though, is the player - and Gyokeres has given Arsenal his word that he wants to play for Mikel Arteta.

His absence from Arsenal’s pre-season tour of Asia is frustrating as plans have been in motion for him to get a head start on integrating into Arsenal’s style.

Arteta wanted his new No.9 in place as they landed in Singapore this week, but even without him there is no panic. Sources insist the deal is in the final stages and see it as a positive sign that Gyokeres remains unwavering in his commitment to join them.

Arsenal’s first game of the season is against Manchester United. Internally, there is quiet confidence that Gyokeres will still be lining up in Arsenal colours at Old Trafford.