'I don't think Arsenal are sold on Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi is a concern'

Arsenal aren't convinced by Viktor Gyokeres as they haven't managed to complete a deal to take him to the Emirates Stadium - that's the opinion of ex-Watford striker Troy Deeney. The Gunners are said to be in advanced talks to sign the striker after he netted 54 goals in 52 games for Sporting last season.

Sporting were said to be worried that Gyokeres would strike at the start of this week rather than returning for pre-season training in an effort to push through a transfer to north London. Arsenal have reportedly made an offer for Gyokeres of £56million plus £13m in add-ons, with the goalscorer apparently contacting Sporting president Frederico Varandas to explain how frustrated he is by the ongoing transfer impasse.

Deeney assessed the situation during an appearance on talkSPORT on Tuesday. And the 37-year-old explained: "You've got a goalkeeper come in, you've got another centre-back, you've got another holding midfielder.

"The only thing you've wanted for about a year-and-a-half now is a striker. I don't think they're sold on Gyokeres, I really don't, because you'd just go and get him, you'd get it done, the same way Liverpool did with [Florian] Wirtz. They just went 'bang', go and get him, get it finished.

"I think they're worried that he's not just not only the short-term answer but not the long-term answer."

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Deeney then told Arteta to sign Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins instead as he added: "Short-term fix, go and get Ollie Watkins.

"I just feel like - and this is just my opinion - I think Arteta is a little bit stubborn at this moment in time.

"Because everyone's been calling for it, if he does that (sign a striker) and then wins it, it's going to be like, 'We told you that.' It's not going to be his thing."

Arsenal confirmed the signing of midfielder Martin Zubimendi at the weekend after prising him away from Real Sociedad.

But Deeney questioned whether the Spain international will have the required impact to take the north London giants to the next level.

"I think it's an improvement from a ball-playing, keeping the ball type of place," he added. "I don't think he has the energy plus the defensive awareness.

"And from what I understand from people I know at Liverpool, they weren't too disheartened by not getting him [last summer], they thought he would slow their game down too much. So it will be interesting to see how Arteta brings him into the frame."