Tonight’s Arsenal transfer news as Viktor Gyokeres boost emerges amid Mikel Merino injury theory

Viktor Gyokeres transfer boost

Arsenal have been handed a boost in their hopes of signing Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres.

The Gunners were linked with the Sweden international during the summer transfer window. However, according to Football Transfers, Sporting are becoming resigned to the fact that Gyokeres will leave the club.

It has been reported that Sporting would be willing to sell Gyokeres to Arsenal in the January transfer window. Even though Gyokeres is reported to have a release clause worth €100million (£85million), the report claims that the Portuguese club would be willing to accept an offer with a lower fee.

Mikel Merino injury theory emerges

Mikel Merino has been sidelined with a shoulder injury ever since his first training session after arriving from Real Sociedad.

Mikel Arteta confirmed that the midfielder would be on the sidelines for several weeks recovering from the injury. However, a theory has emerged online that Merino may be edging closer to a return.

Merino was spotted not wearing a sling on his injury shoulder after he joined in the celebrations for teammate David Raya’s birthday on Sunday. The celebrations took place after Arsenal beat Tottenham in the North London Derby.

Dixon praises Arsenal defence

Former Arsenal star Lee Dixon has praised the players at the heart of the Gunners’ defence for their success under Mikel Arteta.

“There’s no doubt that the Arsenal back four are a very committed bunch,” Dixon told Gambling Zone, via The Mirror. “Left back has been a little bit of a problem. [Jurrien] Timber came in, got injured and missed the entire season, but it looks like he’s making up for lost time. His absence was a big blow last season.

“Both full-backs had a great game against Spurs and dealt with arguably Tottenham’s two most dangerous players in Son and Johnson quite well. The two centre-backs, Gabriel and William Saliba, that’s the best partnership in the league.

“Saliba is the player that normally gets more attention, but I think Gabriel is just as good. His positioning is exceptional and his appetite to defend is fantastic. He’s dependable and he scores goals.

“David Raya has been solid since he joined. He’s not as good as Dave Seaman, obviously and Ben White’s not a patch on me! It’s a joy to watch this back four. They really enjoy the process of defending, the best teams do, and some other teams overlook that sometimes.”