Mikel Arteta has said he cannot comment on Arsenal's pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres... yet.
It has been over a week since Arsenal agreed a fixed fee of £55m for the Sporting CP forward, after making a breakthrough in talks with the Portuguese club.
However, negotiations are still ongoing over the add-ons as part of the deal, with Sporting holding out for €10m (£8.7m). Further talks last week have been around the conditions of those bonus payments.
Arsenal have since departed on their pre-season tour to Singapore and Hong Kong, with Arteta asked about whether Gyokeres will become a Gunners player before the start of the new season.
"I cannot comment on any player who is not part of our group yet," said Arteta. "When we have something concrete to offer in any case to any player we will do that."
So far this summer, Arsenal have completed deals for Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard and Noni Madueke - in a busy start to their first summer window under new sporting director Andrea Berta.
Gyokeres is not the only outstanding Arsenal deal in the pipeline with an initial £13m deal for Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera close to completion.
"I'm very pleased, that's all I'll say," said Arteta about Arsenal's business so far.
"There are a lot of parties and things that we have to bear in mind to get a player over the line and here. I'm very hopeful that we are going to do it very soon."
Asked if he expects any new players to join Arsenal on their tour of Asia, Arteta replied: "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."
Arteta: Zubimendi turned down very good moves to join us
Arteta also addressed the Gunners' purchase of Martin Zubimendi - with the Arsenal manager revealing the Spanish midfielder turned down "some very good opportunities" to move to north London.
Zubimendi was close to a move to Liverpool last summer but opted to stay at Real Sociedad for another year.
Arsenal then swooped in for the Spaniard with Arteta playing his role in convincing the midfielder to choose the Gunners instead.
"It was a long, long process," said Arteta about the pursuit of Zubimendi.
"He had a lot of opportunities to decide whether he wanted to come and and the good news is that this club is is amazing and everybody wants to come to it. And he left some very good opportunities to come to us and he's very impressive.
"I think we are all very impressed with what we've seen in the last seven to ten days because once you have the player daily there and you see his character, you see his personality , his intelligence and how much it's going to bring to the team, very excited about it."
Mibbluyz
1
Has the management gone mad? This is total madness folks
Mibbluyz
1
If arsenal doesn't secure this deal, we're going nowhere this season
Mibbluyz
1
I have never seen a management so insensitive, to their followers interest
boocluyz
0
4 years no trofi and Jesus 26 after 4 years nathing too much
u guys won the community shield in 2023
zicchoease
0
the way am seen this club the only thing we need is standing 9 which the only answer is Viktor gyokeres and no more no less
Nescdilmy
1
Arsenal becomes a new stingy club. In case this season with trophy less, Arteta also ended with Arsenal too.
keeabdemsz
0
The best thing will happen to Arsenal if Arteta is being sacked, he’s doing everything to favour his brother Kai hervert
Biylmnopru
0
what a u waiting 4
vuzabdenop
2
what is going on for Viktor Gyokeres to join Arsenal
Punbcdiksu
1
am a Arsenal fan I know how Gyokeres palys
mikbeklm
0
4 years no trofi and Jesus 26 after 4 years nathing too much
Punbcdiksu
0
what supide arteta is
mikbeklm
0
what's going on arsenal now 😲 youse Jesus no no no no
Emmysomto
1
That amount is too poor for Viktor Oga
jamadikntz
1
Victor &Eze means trophy less to more trophy trust me Arteta
ssentongoukasha
0
we are only waiting for Viktor Gyokeres to come for our team to be strong(gunners)
Idintcareatall
0
we need number nine don't trust those fool you have there ateta
but he's the main fool
Vaecimprst
2
That means you're not a supporter..
What are you talking about? I've been supporting this club since childhood till date and you say what. That's the same thing Arteta did the last time, Isak was available for for less but he opted for Kai for 65m. Everyone knows Arsenal priority for the past three seasons is a top striker but that stubborn coach will rather go for some mediocre midfielders or some Chelsea reject. I love Arsenal with my heart, soul and body but this time round I don't think it worth. And I'll be back if Arteta leaves
Hocbmortu
2
Why will this useless Arteta know
zizcenrsyz
2
Let them tell us what is refusing Arsenal from finalising a deal for Victor ,or else some of us are ready to take the next step.Arteta you will regret ,and the bad thing is you adhere.
yoobcklpsy
1
Blame this BUSY BODY App on Gyokeres endless transfer news and not Arsenal or Sporting Lisbon. Like somebody said above, it has become a National Anthem.
SEAN-DRE-OCHIM
2
Madueke is tired of lifting trophies let him rest...
Haadeilnpu
0
Those who know me are really seeing how badly I'm hurt whenever Arsenal struggles,I only want good for this club,please help my team achieve the greatness
yoyabcenry
0
we need number nine don't trust those fool you have there ateta
Yekacdsz
0
if you don't win the league this season you will fire
Vedeipstyz
3
This app with Gyokeres and Arsenal. It's like n anthem they have to sing every morning
kmuguna
1
Is this the way to treat a player who says I only want Arsenal? Pls gunners, have mercy on poor Cyokeres
Vedeipstyz
1
This app and Gyokeres + arsenal. It's like n anthem they have to sing every day
onesmusmbaine
0
I'll stop supporting Arsenal if they fail to sign a very good striker this season.
That means you're not a supporter..
SkylarJohsua
2
its very frustating and annoying..but deep down, no matter what, you cannot hate the club you love...just pray that something good will happen soon..coyg
tencdimps
0
we should not insult our club arsenal they will sign Viktor Gyokeres if not, I will be the one to insult them
Yobbknpsy
0
arteta not serious
japdemoprt
3
maybe this is my end with this useless team
Voobdiklsu
0
And what's Arteta trying to say here, playing hide and seek games about Gyokeres signing?
Vaecimprst
5
I'll stop supporting Arsenal if they fail to sign a very good striker this season.
Lidbeklruy
3
its disgusting to listen to this Arsenal news , we have been waiting for them to sign Viktor Gyokeres but up to now the deal is not concluded instead they rushed to sign a winger when the team mostly needs a striker , what a poor thinking
Ellairdo
0
Just pay the fucking money now you piece of shit club.