Myles Lewis-Skelly’s priceless reaction as Arsenal close in on Viktor Gyokeres transfer

Myles Lewis-Skelly couldn’t hide his excitement as news spread that Arsenal had made a major breakthrough in their attempts to capture Viktor Gyokeres this evening.

Speculation surrounding Gyokeres’ future has dominated the backpages across this summer’s transfer window, with Arsenal and Manchester United in a two-way race to bring the prolific Swede to the Premier League.

Having already brought in Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga, Arsenal appeared to be making significant progress in their efforts to land Gyokeres, their primary attacking target.

After agreeing personal terms with Gyokeres’ camp, a deal worth €63.5million (£54.8m) – plus €10m (£8.6m) in add-ons – was reportedly struck with Sporting for the 27-year-old forward.

The Portuguese champions, though, have refused to be bullied into an agreement for Gyokeres and have been standing firm over the details of add-on payments – which left the proposed move on the verge of collapse.

However, The Athletic now report that a resolution is close to being found and talks are at an advanced stage, with the two clubs expected to shake hands on a total agreement ‘imminently’.

It’s claimed the north London giants are increasingly confident of getting their man and have been putting the finishing touches on a contract for the Sporting sensation, which is set to run through to June 2030.

Given Arsenal fans have been crying out for an out-and-out No.9 and goalscorer, it’s fair to say the latest reports surrounding Gyokeres have got some supporters a little excited on social media.

Some, perhaps prematurely, have been sending welcome messages to Gyokeres, while others have begun practicing the striker’s trademark celebration in preparation for his arrival at the Emirates.

Among those was Arsenal youngster Lewis-Skelly, who was filmed performing the two-hands-over-the-mouth gesture while proudly holding up Fabrizio Romano’s ‘HERE WE GO!’ Instagram post (below) on his phone.

It’s understood Gyokeres is keen to undergo the relevant medical tests as quickly as possible in order to play a role for Arsenal on the club’s pre-season tour of Asia.

Facing the media after touching down in Singapore, Mikel Arteta remained tight-lipped over Gyokeres, insisting he still had nothing ‘concrete’ to offer.

Asked how close Arsenal were to signing Gyokeres, Arteta told reporters: ‘You know I cannot comment on any player that is not part of our group yet.

‘When we have something concrete to offer in any case, to any player, we will do that.’

Arteta did, though, confirm that the club were working diligently behind the scenes to strengthen areas of the squad that are currently lacking.

‘There’s still a long time in the window and we are seeking,’ the Spaniard added.

‘We are short in terms of numbers and we have to improve the depth and the quality of the squad.

‘We are constantly looking in the market but we’ve got to focus on the players that we actually have, work with them and I’m very pleased with what I’ve seen so far in the first ten to 15 days.’

The Arsenal head coach stressed that he was ‘very pleased’ with the support he had received from sporting director Andrea Berta in this summer’s transfer market.

‘Ideally, you want it [all transfer business] for day one of pre-season so we’ve done very, very well so far,’ he continued.

‘I’m very pleased with the way the club is supporting the necessities and improvements that we required in the team.

‘I think Andrea [Berta] and the team are doing an excellent job as well, trying to push everything forwards.

‘There’s still a long time to go in the window and we have a lot of hopes that we can still improve the team. We’re going to continue to try to do that.’

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