REVEALED: Has Viktor Gyokeres Traveled with Arsenal to Asia

Arsenal have officially departed for their pre-season tour of Asia without top transfer target Viktor Gyökeres on board, as negotiations with Sporting Lisbon continue over a deal for the prolific Swedish striker. According to journalist James Olley, the Gunners’ travelling party includes new arrivals Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Nørgaard, and Martín Zubimendi – but the absence of Gyökeres highlights the ongoing complexity in finalising his transfer.

The Gunners had hoped to wrap up the Gyökeres deal before flying out, having already agreed personal terms with the player weeks ago. However, while a £55 million fixed fee has been settled, discussions over the structure and conditions of an additional £8.5 million in performance-based bonuses are yet to be resolved. Until that is done, Arsenal are unable to push the deal over the line and schedule the striker’s medical.

Despite the delay, Arsenal remain optimistic that an agreement will be found in the coming days. Sporting have been firm on their demands, referencing the striker’s €100 million release clause, but are open to a structured deal that meets their valuation through achievable add-ons. The Gunners are working to balance those demands with their broader transfer budget, especially as they look to strengthen multiple areas of the squad.

In the meantime, Mikel Arteta has included three new faces in the squad that boarded the plane: Kepa Arrizabalaga, who has joined on loan to bolster the goalkeeping department following Aaron Ramsdale’s departure; Christian Nørgaard, the experienced Danish midfielder brought in from Brentford; and Martín Zubimendi, the highly rated Spanish international whose arrival from Real Sociedad is considered one of the coups of Arsenal’s summer business so far.

The inclusion of Zubimendi and Nørgaard gives Arteta significantly more control and depth in midfield – an area Arsenal have been working to upgrade following the exits of players like Jorginho and Thomas Partey. Meanwhile, Kepa offers seasoned cover and competition for David Raya between the sticks.

The absence of a centre-forward on the tour, however, is notable. With Gyökeres not yet in the squad and Gabriel Jesus having struggled with injuries last season, Arsenal’s lack of a natural No.9 in Asia raises questions about who will lead the line during pre-season friendlies. Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard are likely to rotate through the central role, but Arteta will be hoping for reinforcements soon.

Fans will be keeping a close eye on developments from Lisbon, where talks are expected to continue intensively over the next few days. If a breakthrough is achieved, Arsenal could yet fly Gyökeres out to join the squad midway through the tour.

For now, however, the 26-year-old goal machine remains grounded in Portugal as Arsenal press on with their pre-season preparations — hopeful that their marquee striker signing will be secured before the competitive campaign begins.