Mikel Arteta will be delighted with what Viktor Gyokeres has just said ahead of imminent Arsenal transfer

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Arsenal remain locked in negotiations with Sporting CP over a move for striker Viktor Gyokeres.

The Gunners’ pursuit of a new number nine has become a protracted saga this summer, dominating the transfer narrative since the window opened at the beginning of June.

Gyokeres has emerged as Andrea Berta’s top target, as it was revealed earlier this week that the North London outfit are close to reaching an agreement with Sporting for the prolific Swede.

The deal is expected to be completed in the coming weeks, although there have been some suggestions that talks between the two clubs have stalled, with a difference of around €5 million in their valuations presenting a stumbling block.

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Arsenal target Viktor Gyokeres responds to scepticism about the Portuguese league

Despite rumours emerging suggesting that the deal is stalling, Gyokeres is still likely to end up an Arsenal player this summer.

If the Gunners are truly eager to secure the deal, then they’re likely to be able to resolve minor disagreements over the fee, with these latest reports probably Berta playing hardball in negotiations.

Gyokeres scored a staggering 54 goals in 52 games across all competitions for Sporting last season, whilst also registering 12 assists.

This exceptional productivity has unsurprisingly sparked interest from a host of clubs throughout Europe, including Manchester United, but the 27-year-old is only keen on joining Arsenal.

In spite of these astounding goal-scoring exploits, many have expressed scepticism about Gyokeres’ ability to translate this form to English football.

There are concerns about the level of the Primeira Liga, and whether dominating in that division means that the Sweden international will also excel in the English top flight.

Gyokeres has responded to these fears in an exclusive interview with French publication L’Equipe.

Asked about people devaluing his performances because of the level of the Portuguese league, he said: “It’s often like that. When something unusual happens, people try to find an explanation. ‘It’s because he plays for the best team in the league,’ ‘the level in Portugal isn’t good enough’… that’s just people’s opinion. And I don’t care.

“I know what I’ve achieved here; I’ve always done my best. The Portuguese league is a very good league, with a lot of technical players. It may not be as physical as in England, but the level is really good.”

Gyokeres has gone on strike at Sporting to push through a move to Arsenal, demonstrating his desire to prove himself at the highest level.

This, along with these staunch comments that highlight his self-belief, will delight Mikel Arteta, who is looking to build a squad full of players with strong mentalities.

Viktor Gyokeres says he’s been impressed with Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba

Ollie Watkins is said to be Arsenal’s back-up to Gyokeres if the deal for the former Coventry City man falls through, while Benjamin Sesko is now out of the reckoning.

That said, as aforementioned, the Gunners are likely to be able to reach an agreement with Sporting if they really want to.

The ex-Brighton man showed glimpses of his quality when he played against Arsenal last season in the Champions League, causing Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba problems in Lisbon, despite Arteta’s side’s rampant victory.

Gyokeres told L’Equipe that he was impressed by the two central defenders, as well as Bukayo Saka, when asked which players have caught his eye.

“Yes, definitely [there are players who have impressed him],” he said.

“Especially at English clubs. Midfielders like Bernardo Silva, (Mateo) Kovacic at City, or Saka at Arsenal are impressive to watch.

“I’ve also faced some very high-level defenders, like Gabriel and Saliba. It’s a chance to play against those kinds of players.”