Though there reportedly remains a debate ongoing over the nature and structure of the bonuses included, Mikel Arteta was hoping to have Gyokeres signed in time for Saturday’s departure for their pre-season tour of Asia, along with Chelsea winger Noni Madueke and Valencia centre-back Cristhian Mosquera.

Arsenal look set to solve their biggest squad deficiency as they are nearing a deal for striker Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP, with the 27-year-old close to arriving from the Portuguese club.