Gyokeres agreement, Zubimendi announcement, Eze talks
Arsenal's move for Viktor Gyokeres appears to be back on track following various reports around clauses being activated and personal terms being agreed.
Yet the biggest stumbling block of all remains with Sporting Lisbon not yet showing signs that they will succumb to accepting a lower fee than his €100m release clause.
The wait goes on for Martin Zubimendi's move from Real Sociedad to be announced, while talk of an audacious move for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze is picking up.
And that all means that only one summer transfer has so far been officially completed, with Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga arriving to compete with David Raya for the starting job.
Here is the state of play at Arsenal as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his squad with just over a month to go before the Premier League's new season kicks off.
Gyokeres latest
A clause in Gyokeres' Sporting Lisbon contract that will see the star's agent receive 10 per cent of any bid above £52million (€60m) rejected came into force on Tuesday.
And that may strengthen Arsenal's hand further as they look to seal the signature of one of Europe's most coveted centre forwards with L'Equipe claiming, via his representatives, that the Sweden international has agreed personal terms on a five-year deal with the Gunners.
That means the only hurdle between Gyokeres arriving in north London is the transfer fee - an issue that could soon be solved with the 10 per cent rejection clause now in force. Conversely, it could also further exacerbate the issues between the player, his representatives and the club from whom he wants to depart.
United give up chase
Those reports have coincided with Manchester United appearing to end their interest in Gyokeres, with suggestions now that they will try to bring Ollie Watkins to Old Trafford from Aston Villa. The England striker was subject to firm interest from Arsenal in January.
Sesko impact
Should Gyokeres seal his move to the Emirates then interest in RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko is likely to grind to a halt. Talks have been taking place with the Bundesliga star but, similar to the situation with Sporting, no fee has been agreed.
There has always been little prospect of both stars arriving at the Emirates this summer.
Zubimendi confirmation
There are no issues around Martin Zubimendi's imminent arrival with a £51m deal and personal terms already agreed.
The Spain midfielder should be announced as an Arsenal player soon with Arteta bolstering his midfield ranks further with only the Is to be dotted and Ts to be crossed regarding a move for Brentford's Christian Norgaard.
Eze interest
Arsenal's academy let Eberechi Eze go when he was 13. Now the club would like to have him back so he can ease the pressure on captain Martin Odegaard as the team's chief creator and Mirror Football reported earlier this week that talks have been held.
Crystal Palace will look for £68m to sell their prized asset, while the FA Cup winners may also be resigned to losing their skipper Marc Guehi to Liverpool because he has entered the final 12 months of his deal.
Yet Eze is among the Premier League 's most exciting attackers and Arsenal may well consider that price tag worthwhile if he can help turn second place into top spot.
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Scottish Sun
25 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Diogo Jota won it all with Liverpool but he was not only a highly gifted footballer – he was also one of the good guys
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DIOGO JOTA won every major honour in English football with Liverpool before a car crash cruelly cut short his life. But the pain of Jota's death will also be felt particularly hard at Wolves, where he played a key role in the club's transformation, as well as in his native Portugal. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 11 Diogo Jota tragically died alongside his brother in a car crash in Spain Credit: Rex 11 Jota married long-term partner Rute Cardoso on June 22 Credit: 11 Jota and Rute have three young children Credit: 11 Jota's brother Andre, pictured together in their younger days at Porto, also died in the crash Credit: FC Porto The versatile forward was part of the squad that won a second Nations League title last month. And in the last fortnight, Jota had married long-term partner Rute Cardoso, with whom he had three children. They were heartbreakingly pictured with their two sons, Dinis and Duarte, and baby daughter, whose name is unknown, at the wedding. Jota's sudden death at the age of 28, along with brother and fellow footballer Andre in an horrific accident, is heartbreaking. Because Jota was not only a highly gifted footballer, he was also one of the good guys. An intelligent, thoughtful man, who spoke English better than some natives and who dedicated himself to his career and family. By helping Liverpool win the Premier League title last season, Jota completed the full set of domestic trophies after the Reds lifted the FA Cup and League Cup in 2021/22. Although injury and competition for places restricted Jota's contribution, he still scored key goals as Arne Slot's side claimed a record-equalling 20th English championship. 11 What turned out to be the last of his 65 strikes for the Reds was the only goal in the Merseyside derby at Anfield in February. It was typical Jota. While Everton defenders hesitated, the small but strong Portuguese forward bustled on to the ball, beat two men and buried the ball in the net. Jota had bumps in the road before reaching the top of the game with Liverpool and Portugal. After making his debut for Pacos de Ferreira at the age of 17, he moved to Atletico Madrid at 19. But he soon went on loan to Porto, where he did well enough to attract the attention of ambitious Wolves, who were then in the Championship. In his first season in England, he scored 17 league goals to fire the club back into the Premier League as champions. Jota was a popular member of the dressing room which featured a strong Portuguese contingent. 11 11 Jota won the Premier League with Liverpool last season Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 11 Jota also recently won the Uefa Nations League with Portugal Credit: Getty 11 Team-mates and fans have been left devastated by the news Credit: PA He held his own in the top flight, but there was some surprise when Liverpool signed him in a deal worth up to £45m. Yet in his five seasons at Anfield, he played an important role in the Reds' potent front four as the club claimed English honours and went close to European glory. Jota scored 21 times as Jurgen Klopp's side hunted down a Quadruple in 2021/22, winning the domestic cups, taking the title race to the final day and losing the Champions League final to Real Madrid. His total of 65 goals in 182 appearances does not tell the full story of his contribution on and off the field. After coming close more than once, it was special for Jota finally to lift the Premier League trophy in May. Jota was not only a highly gifted footballer, he was also one of the good guys. An intelligent, thoughtful man, who spoke English better than some natives and who dedicated himself to his career and family. For Portugal, Jota was part of a generation that delivered glory. He was uncapped when selected in the squad for the Nations League final stages on home soil in 2019 and did not feature, making his debut later in the year. Jota would go on to score 14 in 49 appearances for his country. His last was as an extra-time substitute in last month's Nations League final against Spain, which Portugal won on penalties. That triumph was part of what was surely the best year of Jota's life. For it to have ended, in such terrible circumstances, is incomprehensible. 11 Jota's heartbreaking final post before the accident that took his life was a scene from his wedding Credit:
Daily Mirror
26 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Diogo Jota refused to cry over health issue parents feared would end his career
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The Herald Scotland
29 minutes ago
- The Herald Scotland
Cristiano Ronaldo tribute to Portugal teammate Diogo Jota
Ronaldo played with Jota a number of times for the Portuguese national team. Jota, who was killed in the crash alongside his brother Andre in the early hours on Thursday morning (July 3), made 49 appearances for Portugal, as well as playing for Premier League sides Liverpool and Wolves. Não faz sentido. Ainda agora estávamos juntos na Seleção, ainda agora tinhas casado. À tua familia, à tua mulher e aos teus filhos, envio os meus sentimentos e desejo-lhes toda a força do mundo. Sei que estarás sempre com eles. Descansem em Paz, Diogo e André. Vamos todos sentir… — Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) July 3, 2025 Cristiano Ronaldo tribute to Portugal teammate Diogo Jota In a post shared on social media, Cristiano Ronaldo said: "It doesn't make sense. Just now we were together in the national team, just now you had got married. "To your family, your wife, and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. "I know you'll always be with them. Rest in Peace, Diogo and André. We'll all miss you." Tributes have also come in from another Portuguese teammate, Ruben Neves, who said: "They say we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you." The Portuguese national team said it is "completely devastated by the death of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva", describing him as a "fantastic player" and an "extraordinary person". A statement from Liverpool said: 'Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota,' said a statement. Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota. — Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 3, 2025 'The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre. 'Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre's family, friends, team-mates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss. 'We will continue to provide them with our full support.' What happened to Diogo Jota? The Portugal forward was killed in a car crash in Spain, along with his younger brother Andre Silva, with the news first announced by the Portuguese Football Federation. The Spanish Civil Guard said he was found dead alongside his brother Andre Silva, after their car went off a road near the city of Zamora. Jota married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso on June 22 in Portugal. RECOMMENDED READING: The pair got together in 2013, it has been reported, and have three children together – two sons and a daughter who was born in November. Jota frequently shared pictures of him and his family on his Instagram account, while his wife has posted images of their holidays in Dubai and Lapland. They also have three pet beagles.
