Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has lifted the lid on his first conversation with Viktor Gyökeres, confirming the Sporting CP striker wasted no time in declaring his ambition to move to North London.
The Gunners have been strongly linked with the Swedish international as they look to add firepower to their attack ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano via his verified X handle shared Mikel Arteta’s words on Viktor Gyökeres, as he quoted him saying:
“Mikel Arteta: “My first phone call with Gyökeres… I wanted to just look at his reaction. He said: Arsenal, that’s my dream!”, told @MenInBlazers.
“I feel his security, dominance, arrogance to say on the pitch: don’t worry, I will do it”.
Arteta praised not just Gyökeres’ ability but also his character, describing him as a player with confidence and authority on the pitch. Those qualities have been evident in Portugal, where Gyökeres has been one of the standout performers for Sporting CP, scoring prolifically in both domestic competition and European fixtures.
Arsenal’s hunt for a clinical striker has been well-documented. Despite strong campaigns from Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah, Arteta’s side has been accused of lacking a consistent 20+ goal forward.
The 26 year old, Gyokeres, has emerged as one of Europe’s most complete forwards combining strength, pressing ability, and finishing. His arrival is giving Arsenal a new attacking dimension as they begin to chase Premier League glory and look to go deeper in the Champions League.
With the player’s desire clear and the manager’s admiration obvious, it seems like the Gunners have finally solved their long-standing striker dilemma.
