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.

Sporting have given Viktor Gyokeres permission to delay his return to pre-season until Friday while talks advance over potential Arsenal move. That development suggests the deal should accelerate next week as Arsenal close in on the top-level striker they have been targeting.