Arsenal worried Chelsea will hijack deal for star by making near-£85m bid

Arsenal are now worried that Premier League rivals Chelsea will hijack their deal for a key target by making a near-£85 million bid, according to reports, despite the Gunners already agreeing personal terms and submitting an offer themselves.

Andrea Berta gets busy ahead of first summer transfer window

The first transfer window opens on June 1, so new sporting director Andrea Berta is a matter of weeks away from the commencement of his debut summer at the Emirates.

He's already got off to a flying start by sealing a deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, with reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano dropping his famous 'here we go' to the agreement.

Arsenal's final Premier League games Date Liverpool (away) May 11th Newcastle United (home) May 18th Southampton (away) May 25th

The Spain international is poised to sign a long-term contract, with Arsenal set to trigger his £51 million release clause (Fabrizio Romano), and all signs point towards Zubimendi becoming Berta's first major signing as the Gunners' transfer chief.

Even though some reliable media sources suggest there is still a hint of caution, Arsenal have a full agreement in place with Zubimendi, with former director Edu Gaspar and his interim replacement, Jason Ayto, more than playing their part in a move, according to Ben Jacobs.

Zubimendi will likely replace the exit-bound Jorginho, with attention now turning to who will follow the Sociedad star to Arsenal.

Reports this week have claimed that Arsenal are making serious progress on a move for Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres, following yet another exceptional campaign in the Primeira Liga for Coventry City's former star.

Arsenal and Gyokeres are "already aligned" on personal terms, according to Football Transfers, with Portuguese newspaper Corriere de Manha now sharing a very bold update on the saga.

Arsenal fear Viktor Gyokeres to Chelsea hijack despite making "official offer"

As per their information, the 26-year-old and Mikel Arteta's side have already reached an agreement over his contract, and Arsenal have now submitted their first "official offer" for Gyokeres - which comes in at around £63 million.

However, there is a catch, with Berta and co holding a serious concern over rivals Chelsea.

It is believed that Arsenal fear Chelsea will swoop in with a bid of their own for Gyokeres, and one valued close to his €100m (£85m) release clause, so the north Londoners appear very keen to get him over the line as soon as possible.

Sporting president Frederico Varandas also views Arsenal's opening proposal as a first bid, holding some hope behind the scenes that they could get even more for one of Europe's most lethal marksmen in front of goal.

Gyokeres' goalscoring exploits have piqued major interest from both Chelsea and Arsenal, with the Sweden international seeming almost certain to leave this summer.

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