Arsenal unveil Viktor Gyokeres
Arsenal fans in Singapore welcomed Viktor Gyokeres with an enthusiastic reception on Sunday less than a day after the Sweden international completed his £64 million transfer from Sporting Lisbon. Gyokeres, 27, was not included in the matchday squad for the Gunners’ friendly against Newcastle at the National Stadium which comprised 11 starters and 17 substitutes but his presence was impossible to miss.
The striker made a memorable debut in front of thousands of fans walking out to a thunderous ovation and waving to the crowd. Many supporters already sported Gyokeres’s name and number on their replica shirts while some held up handmade signs reading “WELCOME GYOKERES.” Several fans were also seen mimicking his signature ‘mask’ celebration highlighting the excitement surrounding his arrival.
Arsenal announced that Gyokeres will wear the No. 14 shirt, a number previously worn by club legends such as Thierry Henry and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The move to sign the Swedish forward marked a significant step for the Gunners who had been engaged in prolonged negotiations with Sporting Lisbon throughout the summer. Sporting initially rejected a £60 million offer and even threatened disciplinary action after Gyokeres failed to report for pre-season. However, the deal was eventually finalized with an improved bid reflecting Arsenal’s strong interest in acquiring a natural striker.
Gyokeres’s impressive goal-scoring record; 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting since his transfer from Coventry City in 2023 made him one of Europe’s most sought-after centre-forwards. His form has been a key factor in Arsenal’s pursuit especially given the club’s recent struggles to find a consistent goal scorer due to injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz and the occasional deployment of midfielder Mikel Merino in a forward role.
Manager Mikel Arteta expressed his enthusiasm about the signing, saying on Saturday: “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Viktor Gyokeres to the club. His consistency and availability have been outstanding and his goal contributions speak for themselves. Viktor offers a quick and powerful presence up front with incredible goalscoring numbers and intelligent movement in the box. We’re excited to work with him and look forward to seeing his impact.”
Sporting Director Andrea Berta also praised the transfer, stating: “We are pleased with the excellent deal to bring Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal. He is an exceptional talent with a winning mentality, physicality and intelligence that fit our vision. We are confident Viktor will make a major impact on the pitch and become an important figure in our dressing room. Welcome, Viktor!”
Gyokeres’s arrival marks Arsenal’s third signing of a centre-forward in the past five-and-a-half years, following Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz. His signing adds to the club’s summer expenditure, which now totals nearly £210 million including recent additions such as Martin Zubimendi (£65m), Noni Madueke (£52m), Christian Norgaard (£15m), Cristhian Mosquera (£13m) and Kepa Arrizabalaga (£5m).
Gyokeres is expected to begin training with his new teammates in the coming days and could make his first appearance later in the ongoing tour.
