Arsenal finally confirmed the signing of Swedish striker, Viktor Gyokeres after a long saga that saw Arsenal, Sporting Lisbon and Gyokeres drag the £63m transfer for weeks. Softfootball reported that Gyokeres had insisted that he only wanted Arsenal and refused to return to Sporting for preseason.
The Gunners welcomed the striker who has scored 97 goals in 102 matches in style with a video on their official verified X handle. Watch the unveiling video below.
After finally getting the toughest transfer deal this summer done, Arsenal head coach and new Sporting Director, Andre Berta had a few words to say about the transfer and player on the club website.
Speaking on the Gyokeres, Berta said the Swedish has a top mentality. He narrated:
We are so pleased with the excellent deal we have completed to bring Viktor Gyökeres to the club. Viktor is an exceptional talent and has consistently demonstrated he has the qualities and winning mentality required of a top-level centre-forward.
His physicality, intelligence and work ethic make him a perfect fit for our vision.
We are confident Viktor will have a major impact on the pitch and become an important figure in our dressing room. Welcome, Viktor!
Berta had signed 5 players for Arsenal this summer. Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke and Cristhian Mosquera. Viktor Gyokeres will be the sixth signing of Berta in the short period he has become Arsenal’s Sporting Director.
Head coach, Mikel Arteta reacted to Gyokeres’ signing with kind words as well. The Gunners had been without a top striker since the departure of Alexander Lacazette. Last season Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Mikel Merino played as strikers for the Gunners.
Mikel said:
We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Viktor Gyökeres to the club. The consistency he has shown in his performances and availability have been outstanding, and his goal contributions speak for themselves.
Viktor has so many qualities. He is a quick and powerful presence up front, with incredible goal scoring numbers at club and international levels. He brings a clinical edge with a high conversion rate of chances into goals, with his intelligent movement in the box making him a constant threat.
We’re excited about what Viktor brings to our squad and are looking forward to start working with him. We welcome Viktor and his family to Arsenal
Arsenal fans will have a first view of Viktor Gyokeres in the preseason game in Singapore as Arsenal take on Newcastle although he will not be playing in the game.
