Mikel Arteta drops huge Gyokeres hint with telling response to transfer question

Arsenal are still working on a deal for the Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres and Mikel Arteta has now broken his silence on the chances of landing the Portugal star

Mikel Arteta refused to entertain questions about Viktor Gyokeres during a press conference in Singapore, stressing that he is not Arsenal's player - 'yet'.

The Gunners are in talks with Sporting Lisbon over a deal which would bring Gyokeres, 27, to The Emirates. However, a sticking point in negotiations has been the structure of add-ons in the deal, with Sporting wanting any further payments to be easily achievable.

Speculation over Gyokeres' future continues to dominate the narrative at Arsenal despite an influx of new signings in recent weeks.

It's been reported that Arsenal had hoped to have Gyokeres on board before their pre-season tour, which has now kicked off.

And when Arteta was asked for an update on the Gyokeres deal, the Spaniard's exact answer - where he stressed he will not speak about anybody until they are part of the group - has sparked a buzz amongst fans.

"I cannot comment on any player who is not part of our group yet," the Gunners boss said with a smile when grilled on Gyokeres.

"When we have something concrete to offer in any case to any player we will do that."

Arsenal have completed deals for Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard and Noni Madueke. The signing of Cristhian Mosquera, a promising young centre-back from Valencia, is also expected to be confirmed by the club imminently.

Further signings are expected, too, once a deal for a striker is done. Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze remains a serious target, while Arsenal have also been credited with an interest in another attacking midfielder expected to move this summer in Xavi Simons.

But the signing of a quality No 9 was Arsenal's biggest priority heading into the summer window and Arteta admits that the club still have a long way to go before they are ready to attack the new Premier League season.

He added: "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 quality of the squad. We are constantly looking in the market. Until that happens, focus on the players we have and focus on them and I’m very pleased with what I have seen in the last 10-15 days."