Can Arteta go stronger than this line up vs Newcastle?

 By Danong

Following their 1-0 win over AC Milan to kick off the Asia pre-season tour, Arsenal are back in action on Sunday this time against a familiar foe, Newcastle.

While the Gunners edged the Magpies 1-0 last time out, Eddie Howe’s side had beaten them in three consecutive meetings prior.

This fixture carries weight for both teams and could offer a genuine gauge of where they stand as the Premier League return draws near.

As he did versus Milan, one would expect Mikel Arteta to go strong with his selections but can he go stronger than this?

Raya
White, Saliba, Kiwior, Myles Lewis-Skelly
Zubimendi, Rice, Ødegaard  
Saka, Havertz, Nelson

Obviously Viktor Gyokeres cannot make it to Singapore in time to take any part in this game.

But Reiss Nelson impressed against Milan and his influence from the left wing was palpable.

Some argue he deserves another shot at the Emirates and facing one of the most physical, defensively-minded Premier League sides should help assess whether he can be a viable option next season.

As for Gabriel, given Newcastle’s physicality and the fact he’s just returned from injury, it may be wise not to feature him prominently in this one.

Martin Zubimendi, meanwhile, should relish the chance to test himself against one of the league’s finest midfields.

His partnership with Declan Rice and Ødegaard deserves a proper run-out against Premier League opposition.

Max Dowman was a revelation against Milan, it would be great to see him get another cameo and test himself against top-flight competition.

As for Nwaneri, it would be encouraging to see him continue his midfield run, especially with next season likely to offer him more prominent opportunities.

Arsenal Lagging, United Gatecrash The Party But Agent Fees Can Bring Gyokeres to Arsenal

 By 1970s Gooner

The future of Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres continues to dominate headlines as the tug-of-war between Sporting, Arsenal and now Manchester United intensifies. 

Arsenal have officially proposed a deal worth €63.5 million upfront, plus €10 million in performance-related bonuses, totaling €73.5 million.

The Lisbon club has made clear they will only part with their star striker if the add ons are easily achieved.

In contrast, Manchester United have now submitted a bid that is expected to be between €70 to €80 m.

While the structure of the payment — whether in installments or upfront — remains undisclosed, the total valuation may well satisfy the Portuguese club’s demands.

This will be the worst case scenario as far as Arsenal are concerned.

If we assume for the purposes of clarity that United's bid is at worst €80m this would make Arsenal's bid fall short by €6.5 million.

However all that Gyokeres and his agent Hasan Centikaya will then have do to is to simply bring back the latter's right to demand the fee of around 10% (which would be around 7m). 

This is what he waived in the first place to get Arsenal's bid accepted by Sporting!

This would make the two offers almost the same and should therefore allow Gyokeres to choose his next destination.

And we know which he will choose...

 

Deal now agreed between Arsenal and Sporting according to AS!

 By 1970s Gooner

A fresh report claims Arsenal and Sporting CP have reached an agreement for Gyökeres:

€63.5 M in cash with a further €10 M in add-ons, potentially raising the total to €73.5 M.

Some concessions have been made by Arsenal to make a larger amount of the add-ons easier to achieve.

Gyökeres is set to sign a five-year contract worth about €8 M net per year.

He skipped Sporting’s pre-season as leverage for the move.

A London medical is planned for this coming Friday to complete the deal.

Gyokeres transfer add-ons revealed: the amount of money left to be agreed on

 By 1970s Gooner

Arsenal made a formal offer of €63.5M + €10M in add-ons, but according to A Bola only €3M are considered easy to achieve. So there is a difference of 7m to be covered.

Sporting rejected the bonus proposal because they want all the add-ons to be guaranteed; there’s obviously a dispute over the structure and criteria of the bonuses.

Obviously not all can be guaranteed by Arsenal as there would be no point in having any add ons in the first place.

The answer is somewhere in the middle but still Arsenal will consider this as having to increase its offer by much more than agreed in the first place.

Gyökeres’s agent, Hasan Çetinkaya, is already in London, involved in negotiations. New meetings are scheduled for today, aiming to reach a deal.

Gyökeres All Smiles with Usain Bolt Ahead of imminent Arsenal Move

 By 1970s Gooner 

Amid growing speculation about his future, Viktor Gyökeres has been spotted in high spirits, enjoying time with legendary sprinter Usain Bolt. 

The Sporting CP striker, heavily linked with a summer transfer to Arsenal, was photographed alongside the Jamaican icon at a wedding event in Stockholm. 

The moment captured the pair striking Gyökeres’ now-famous “mask” goal celebration — a gesture that has become his trademark in Portuguese football.

The timing of the photo has sparked further intrigue, as it comes just days before Gyökeres is expected to report back to pre-season training with Sporting. 

However, with negotiations between the Lisbon club and Arsenal reportedly at an advanced stage, many believe the Swedish striker could soon be headed to the Premier League.

Gyökeres, 26, enjoyed a sensational debut season in Portugal, scoring 43 goals in all competitions and helping lead Sporting to the Liga Portugal title. 

His dynamic style, physical presence, and clinical finishing have made him a top target for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, who are in search of a proven No. 9 to complement their attacking setup.

The striker’s relaxed demeanor in the presence of Bolt — a global sports figure known for his charisma and winning mentality — could be interpreted as a sign that Gyökeres is mentally ready for his next challenge. The two athletes appeared to share an easy camaraderie, highlighting Gyökeres’ growing profile beyond football circles.

Although no deal has yet been finalized, reports suggest Arsenal are prepared to meet Sporting’s valuation. The coming days will be crucial as both clubs work toward a resolution — but if his recent mood is anything to go by, Gyökeres is more than ready to sprint into the next chapter of his career.

Berta flying to Portugal to seal the deal

 By 1970s Gooner 

Local press in Lisbon is reporting that negotiations for Gyokeres transfer to Arsenal is finally coming to a conclusion.

Arsenal have made an offer of 65m euros plus 15 m euros as add ons bringing the total package at 80m euros. Sporting however are demanding at least 70 plus 10.

It is also reported that Gyokeres himself has offered to contribute 2m euros towards facilitating a conclusion to this saga.

One would think that with Berta's presence in Lisbon this 5m euro difference will be bridged. 

It is impressive however that Gyokeres himself has been so enthusiastic from almost day one to join Arsenal. An enthusiasm that he will bring on the pitch I am sure.

The hope now is that we pursue Eze AND Rodrygo!