How Liverpool agreed Hugo Ekitike deal so fast as Arsenal close to deal for Viktor Gyokeres

Arsenal and Liverpool are set to lock horns again next season but with many new players involved in the battle for another Premier League title. Both sides have been very active in the transfer windowas Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta aim to give their rivals the toughest possible challenge in claiming the ultimate goal.

Arsenal made four signings before they flew away to Singapore for their pre-season tour, with a fifth player, Cristhian Mosquera, understood by football.london to be flying out to join the group amid the announcement of his signing. As of Tuesday 22 July, Arsenal are understood to have finally found a verbal agreement for the transfer of Viktor Gyokeres.

Fans however have been frustrated at the drawn-out nature of the deal. Talks accelerated just over two weeks ago for the Swede after pivoting from Benjamin Sesko, who proved well beyond what the club were willing to invest in a striker. The scrutiny Arsenal faces has not been helped by misinformation spreading through social media on the move.

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However, it has been further worsened by Liverpool’s successful acquisition of Hugo Ekitike. Arsenal have seen criticism directed their way as a result of the quick nature of the Frenchman’s move to Merseyside – which is yet to be completed pending a medical.

The truth of the matter is that Liverpool’s interest in Ekitike dates back to much earlier in the window, not simply from when they formalised efforts to sign him, which occurred around a week ago. A first offer of €80million (£69.4million) was rejected a week ago but the club swiftly came back with the an improved offer of €80million (£69.4million) plus €11.5million (£10million) in add-ons totalling a €91million (£79.4million) deal.

Ekitike is no doubt a talented player, but at 23 years old, he has only one good season under his belt with Frankfurt. At a younger age his move to PSG from Reims didn’t work out before the switch to Frankfurt where he ended the season with 22 goals in 48 games.

Arsenal, looking to sign Gyokeres, are hoping to pay around €63.5million (£55million) with €10million (£8.7million) in add-ons. A considerable amount less for a player with 119 goals in his last 154 games for Sporting CP and Coventry City over the last three seasons.

Liverpool, too, are not yet thought to be looking at any further deals unless situations regarding the likes of Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliot change and force their hand. Therefore, they have had more freedom to spend big and over what would be seen as Ekitike’s market value.

Arsenal hope to do more business after the completion of a deal for Gyokeres and so want to work to get the best deal possible to give them greater freedom to spend. Player sales are also thought to be key to the club, and so the finances are being strictly considered to work within UEFA Financial Fair Play restrictions comfortably.