Bukayo Saka and Delcan Rice respond to Viktor Gyokeres reveal at Arsenal
Mikel Arteta’s pursuit of a new striker to lead the line at Arsenal has finally been completed as the club announced the arrival of Viktor Gyokeres on 26 July.
The 27-year-old arrived at The Emirates following an agreement with Sporting CP worth up to £64million after he informed the Portuguese club of his desire to leave.
Last season, he scored 54 goals and provided 13 assists in 52 games across all competitions, including a Champions League hattrick against Man City in November.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that United were forced to consider other striker options as Gyokeres made clear his desire to join Arsenal.
The Sweden international had not reported back to pre-season training with his club as he aimed to force through the move amid a belief that they went back on an agreement to let him go.
This came as Football Insider exclusively revealed on 4 July that Arsenal were closing in on Gyokeres after his representatives held face-to-face talks with Sporting.
Arsenal stars react as Viktor Gyokeres transfer confirmed
The Gunners finally completed a deal and were able to officially announce his arrival on 26 July, much to the delight of the supporters and a number of players.
In a range of posts on their social media channels, multiple images of Gyokeres in different Arsenal kits emerged alongside a dramatic announcement video.
The Instagram posts were liked by the likes of Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Granit Xhaka and Chloe Kelly as excitement about the striker’s arrival continues to build.
With an out-and-out goalscoring number nine finally on the books at the Emirates, there is a growing belief that they will once again be prepared to challenge for silverware.
Mikel Arteta accelerates Eberechi Eze plans after Gyokeres deal
Following the signing of Gyokeres, Arsenal are showing no signs of slowing down in the transfer market, and have already moved on to their next target.
Football Insider revealed on 22 July that Arsenal are accelerating plans to sign Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace despite having already signed Noni Madueke.
The Gunners are determined to bolster their attacking depth, and the England international has been identified as a key target for Arteta.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider in April that Arsenal would love to sign Eze as they aim to add more “X-factor” and creativity to their squad.
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