Vik 'N' Mix
Viktor Gyokeres is closing in on becoming an Arsenal player, talkSPORT understands.
Talks over a move to north London continue to advance, but no agreement has been struck yet, but the two clubs are close.
The 27-year-old has agreed terms on a five-year deal with the Gunners and his camp are confident he will join Arsenal.
Sporting are believed to be demanding at least £68.5m, more than the reported gentleman's agreement of £60m.
The club's president, Frederico Varandas, rejected reports that Gyokeres had such an agreement to leave.
Gyok won
Viktor Gyokeres' camp is confident he will complete a move to Arsenal this summer, talkSPORT understands.
talkSPORT reported in June that Gyokeres had decided to join the Gunners this summer and will not return to Sporting.
Talks over a move to north London have advanced, but no agreement has been struck yet.
The 27-year-old is due back for pre-season training at Sporting on Monday and could make good on his promise to go on strike to force a move away from Portugal.
Sporting are believed to be demanding at least £68.5m, more than the reported gentleman's agreement of £60m.
Mikel Arteta's side have been crying out for a proven number nine in the last three seasons, which has seen Arsenal finish in second spot on each occasion.
No player for Arsenal in the recent campaign managed to hit double digits in the top-flight, with the north Londoners scoring 17 goals less than champions Liverpool.
The 2024/25 season saw Gyokeres bang in 54 goals in 52 games in all competitions - bringing his Sporting tally to 97 strikes from 102 outings across two terms in Portugal.
Zubi Dubi Doo - Got some work to do now
Arsenal have finally announced the signing of Martin Zubimendi.
Zubimendi has officially penned a long-term deal at the Emirates Stadium after verbally agreeing personal terms in May.
The Gunners have paid over the Spaniard's £50million Real Sociedad release clause to bring the midfielder in.
Zubimendi will wear the No.36 shirt at Arsenal, which was worn by goalkeeper Tommy Setford last season.
The 26-year-old told the club's website: “This is a huge moment in my career. It's the move I was looking for and one I wanted to make.
“As soon as you set foot here, you realise how big this club and this team are.
“I set my sights on Arsenal because their style of play is a good fit for me. They have shown their potential recently and the best is yet to come.”
Mikel Arteta added: “Martin is a player who will bring a huge amount of quality and football intelligence to our team. He will fit in really well and he has all the attributes to be a key player for us.
“The standard he has consistently performed at over the last few seasons for both club and country is exactly why we are so excited to have him with us. We all welcome Martin and his family to the club.”
Dor open
Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl has revealed he wants to keep Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka at the club.
The 21-year-old joined Dortmund on loan in February and made 16 appearances last season, scoring once.
Chukwuemeka was also part of Dortmund's Club World Cup squad, with Chelsea extending his loan to cover the knockout stage.
With Dortmund losing in the quarter-finals to Real Madrid on Saturday, Chukwuemeka's loan has now come to an end, but Kehl believes it might not be the last time he turns out in black and yellow.
"Carney’s loan ends today," said Kehl, speaking on Saturday following Dortmund’s 3-2 defeat to Real in New Jersey.
"That was what we agreed with Chelsea. Now, let’s see. We will definitely have some more discussions in the next few days about his situation. I think it was a good move from Carney to join us.
"Now let's see how we manage everything. It won't be easy, but for sure we will try to keep him because he's a very good player. This topic is something for the future, and right now I don’t know what will happen."
Chelsea value Chukwuemeka at £40m, the same number as his release clause. That makes a permanent transfer difficult for Dortmund unless the asking price drops.
talkSPORT understands Dortmund are open to another loan, potentially with an option or obligation to buy, and that discussions on keeping Chukwuemeka beyond last season started in May.
"It's always easier to loan a player than to buy one, especially within Carney’s [price] range. But let's see," said Kehl. "We are not that far advanced [in talks] at the moment, but I can tell you that we are pretty close to the player, and he loves Dortmund, so this is quite good. Everything else will be decided between Chelsea and us. That won't be tomorrow. That won't be on Tuesday. I think it will take some more days."
Trent's tributes
Trent Alexander-Arnold paid tribute to Diogo Jota as he opened up for the first time on his former teammate's death.
He spoke after Real Madrid had booked their place in the Club World Cup semi-final.
An emotional Trent said: "I genuinely can't believe what's happened, I'm heartbroken, if I'm honest, I'm heartbroken, he was amazing, honestly amazing, on and off the pitch, a true gentleman in every sense of the word."
He continued: "Love, thoughts, prayers and heart goes to his family, him and Andre's family who will be, I can't even describe how they must feel because I can't describe how I feel right now, it's still something that hard to really put into words but these things don't really happen.
“For it to happen to someone who you're so close with, someone that you would easily call a friend, who you laughed with and loved on and off the pitch and shared amazing memories and moments with is something that you can't really put into words, it's hugely devastating for a lot of us.
“It's amazing to see how the world united, everyone in football and outside of football too came together, showed their support, and I love Diogo and his brother, I'm sure his family and friends really appreciate it, but my heart goes out to them in this devastatingly hard period.”