From starting the first week of initial pre-season training without a new striker to having Viktor Gyokeres in the ranks sooner rather than later. Arsenal have finally made a breakthrough in their attempts to land Mikel Arteta's much-desired No.9.

After months of speculation and noise, talks have ramped up with Sporting CP over a move for the 27-year-old.The two sides are now in advanced talks over a transfer.

Gyokeres has agreed personal terms after work from new sporting director Andrea Berta and will sign a long-term contract if a price can be settled.Sporting have seen the last of their man.

The Portuguese side are set to return for their own summer preparations but Gyokeres will not be part of them. Instead, all roads are leading to him heading to north London.

With Arsenal kicking off their pre-season in England on Monday ahead of a trip to Spain for more warm-weather training before finally going to Asia, the timing could not be better.Gyokeres will join Kepa Arrizabalaga and Martin Zubimendi in the squad whilst an announcement for Christian Norgaard is also impending.

That represents the bulk of business likely to be done by Arsenal, leaving a striker and winger to be added. Cristhian Mosquera or another centre-back could also join.

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However, as has been the case for much of the past two years, most of the attention is on the centre forward. Between Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko, much debate was had.

The battle between the two strikers with impressive goalscoring records for different reasons in leagues which do not necessarily translate well to England has raged for a long time. Now, as time pressed on, Arsenal have seemingly made their decision.

Although there is still an age until the transfer window shuts on September 1, Arsenal and Arteta have been keen to get players through the door as quickly as possible. With five pre-season matches to play and new teammates to meet, the longer that players have to get accustomed to their new surroundings, the better.

For that reason, Gyokeres looks to be coming in at an ideal point. If all goes smoothly, he will have at least two weeks before Arsenal fly out to Singapore for their first match against Milan.

They will hope he is in place to be part of the travelling group to Spain.Then, Arsenal play matches on July 23, July 27, and July 31. The aim will be for him to make an uncompetitive debut against Milan, or if not, against Newcastle United.

Arsenal then face Tottenham in Hong Kong. When they return to England there are friendlies at the Emirates Stadium the week before the Premier League starts. They are against Athletic Club (with Nico Williams) and Villarreal.

That could be the first time the majority of Arsenal fans get to watch Gyokeres in the flesh. It is then over to Old Trafford and the league opener against Manchester United.

Ironically, United and Ruben Amorim have been among the most heavily linked to Gyokeres. Arsenal are the team who are now all alone in the hot seat to buy him.

From being frustrated at the lack of action in the transfer window to getting a Gyokeres debut in just over a fortnight. Things have hotted up for Arsenal and Arteta will be as happy as anyone about it.