Arsenal intensify pursuit of Gyokeres as Berta holds transfer talks in Portugal

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has travelled to Portugal for direct talks with Sporting CP as the Premier League side step up efforts to sign Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres.

According to BBC Sport, the Gunners have ramped up their pursuit of the 27-year-old as their search for a new centre-forward nears a conclusion.

Sources close to the matter say Berta visited Lisbon late last week to hold crucial discussions with Sporting officials over a potential deal, which could be valued at around £70 million.

While it’s unclear whether Berta has since returned to London, his visit underlines Arsenal’s urgency to wrap up an agreement for Gyokeres. Negotiations over personal terms with the former Coventry City forward are not expected to pose any obstacles.

In a separate development, Brentford captain Christian Norgaard is on the verge of finalising his switch to the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal and Brentford have settled on a transfer fee of up to £15 million for the Denmark international midfielder.

The Gunners are also weighing up whether to proceed with a formal offer for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke, having already reached a personal agreement with the 23-year-old. Chelsea are understood to be aware of Arsenal’s growing interest in the England international.