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.

Gyökeres has made it abundantly clear that he has no desire to return to Sporting, having refused to report for pre-season, while Sporting president Frederico Varandas has insisted he is happy to fine Gyökeres and keep him at the club if Arsenal do not meet their demands.

Arsenal have reportedly hit a minor snag in negotiations with Sporting Lisbon over the signing of Viktor Gyokeres. It has been widely reported that the two clubs have reached an agreement in principle over a £55.1m transfer that will see the Swedish striker move to the Emirates this summer.