Viktor Gyokeres during Sporting CP's clash against Vitoria Guimaraes(Image: Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP via Getty Images)

Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal transfer latest as Andrea Berta ditches £78m deal amid Sporting talks

by · football.london

Arsenal are in a race against time to sign Viktor Gyokeres. Later this month, the Gunners will jet off to Singapore to step up preparations ahead of the new Premier League season.

The north Londoners will begin their pre-season tour of Asia with clashes against AC Milan and Newcastle United at the National Stadium in Kallang. Then, Arsenal will head to Hong Kong to lock horns with Tottenham Hotspur at the Kai Tak Sports Park.

Before facing Manchester United at Old Trafford on August 17, the Gunners will host Villarreal and Athletic Club at the Emirates Stadium. The summer transfer window doesn't shut until September, but Mikel Arteta will be hoping Andrea Berta can wrap up a deal for Gyokeres well in advance.

So, with that being said, football.london has rounded up the latest Arsenal news.

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Bayern midfielder provides transfer update

Joao Palhinha has provided an update on his future at Bayern Munich. According to German outlet Bild, Arsenal have identified the 30-year-old midfielder as a potential target this summer, despite having already signed Christian Norgaard and Martin Zubimendi.

Speaking to Portuguese outlet Sport TV on Thursday, as quoted by the Metro, Palhinha said: "I have a contract for three more years, so I’ll report for duty on July 29, which is when we start this pre-season.

"As I’ve said several times, and it’s been a recurring question, I have three more years on my contract," added the former Fulham ace. "I don’t know what will happen, but I’m at a great club, as I’ve always said.

Joao Palhinha could leave Bayern Munich in the summer(Image: FC Bayern via Getty Images)

"Obviously, it hasn’t been an easy year, but as soon as the season starts, I’m very motivated to prove my worth once again at a very special club, a huge club."

football.london says: "I can't see Arsenal signing Joao Palhinha. Had the Gunners not signed Norgaard, I would've backed Berta to wrap up a deal for the Bayern Munich midfielder."

Gyokeres awaits Arsenal green light

According to Portuguese newspaper Record, as quoted by Sport Witness, there has been no progress in negotiations between Arsenal and Sporting for the transfer of Gyokeres. The report claims that Arteta wants the 27-year-old striker on the plane for the Gunners' pre-season tour of Asia, but time is running out.

It's said that Gyokeres has conceded that he might not make the flight, as planned. Record noted that Sporting supporters expressed their displeasure with the Sweden international during a friendly against Celtic on Wednesday night.

"I don’t cry for those who leave, I’m happy for those who stay. Lions of our youth academy," read one banner. Another said: "No one is above the interests of the club, whoever they may be."

Viktor Gyokeres during Sporting CP's clash against Manchester City(Image: Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

football.london says: "It's a shame to see the Sporting fans turn on Viktor Gyokeres. That said, I'm not surprised; the Swede essentially had no choice but to throw his toys out of the pram because Arsenal couldn't wrap up a deal sooner..."

Arsenal pull out of Rodrygo race

According to Spanish outlet Cadena Ser, Arsenal have pulled out of the race to sign Rodrygo from Real Madrid. The report claims that a transfer is 'not impossible', but the chances of a move are now 'very slim', with Noni Madueke and Gyokeres expected to pen deals at the Emirates Stadium this summer.

It's said that Liverpool have shown 'concrete interest' in Rodrygo, who faces an uncertain future at the Santiago Bernabeu. The 24-year-old winger, who sees his contract in the Spanish capital expire in June 2028, has been valued at €90m (£78m) by Transfermarkt.

Xabi Alonso and Rodrygo following Real Madrid's clash against Red Bull Salzburg(Image: Photo by Stephen Nadler/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)

football.london says: "I can no longer see Rodrygo leaving Real Madrid this summer. Hugo Ekitike seems like he could be on his way to Liverpool, while Arsenal have Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres in their sights. Even if Arteta wants some attacking reinforcements, Eberechi Eze continues to be linked."

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