Gyokeres was focused only on joining Arsenal and, despite late interest from elsewhere, he did not consider any other team.

Whether it be the patience of Sporting chiefs that snaps or another European giant capitalising on the confusion, Arsenal now appear at risk of repeating the same grave mistake they made 12 years ago. That summer, the pursuit of Liverpool forward Luis Suarez began amid a fervour of excitement among fans, and yet ended in ridicule.

Despite agreeing the basic framework of a move for Gyökeres weeks ago, Arsenal and Sporting found themselves butting heads over the nature of the add-ons proposed by the Gunners, which invited pressure of a potential hijack from long-term admirers Manchester United.