Mikel Arteta will have to make some tough Arsenal decisions after Andrea Berta wraps up a deal for Viktor Gyokeres. The Gunners chief has flown out to Portugal for discussions with Sporting CP - in order to finalise Gyokeres' move to Emirates Stadium.
With June used as a month to enter talks for multiple targets, July was really the start of Arsenal's summer window. Kepa Arrizabalaga and Martin Zubimendi have seen their moves confirmed with Christian Norgaard set for similar treatment this week.
Negotiations for Cristhian Mosquera of Valencia have also taken place, alongside a meeting to discuss Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze, and now advanced talks for Gyokeres are ongoing.
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RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko had appeared the striker focus until then, even though talks had stalled because of the German club's lofty valuation. At the same time, there was also some disagreement over Gyokeres' asking price, but that no longer looks to be a huge issue.
The Portuguese champions want £60.2million (€70m) as the fixed fee while Arsenal are offering £55.9million (€65m). As there is not a huge difference, it seems likely that the two parties will find a compromise with Arsenal's spending to hit roughly £125million if that scenario plays out.
As several new signings in other positions are still wanted, too, the Gunners will have to be clever when it comes structuring their deals. Making a move for Eze could help that with Palace open to receiving his £68million release clause through instalments.
The Gunners do want to sign a wide forward but it looks as though that signing will be pursued alongside Eze with Chelsea star Noni Madueke a serious option. Personal terms have been agreed with the 23-year-old and now a bid is expected.
Arsenal are intent on not paying over £40million for his services - while the Blues want £50million to sanction an exit - and there hopes of receiving that have increased. Alongside West Ham valuing Mohammed Kudus, a winger very similar to Madueke, at £65million, a significant fee has been agreed for Anthony Elanga to join Newcastle.
Nottingham Forest rejected their £45million opening offer but an agreement has now been reached by all parties with £52million as the initial fee and up to £5million available in add-ons.
The former Manchester United player is the same age as Madueke and thus it seems very likely that move and Kudus' asking price will be quoted by Chelsea in any negotiations with Arsenal if they do not want to pay over £40million.
That could result in Arsenal focusing their efforts back on Eze after Gyokeres or to another wide forward. Real Madrid's Rodrygo likely tops that list with the Brazil international capable of changing the entire dynamic of Arsenal's attack.
To complete such a statement signing, it is likely £77.7million (€90m) would be required - even with it clear Xabi Alonso currently favours other options.
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