- Viktor Gyokeres was involved in 125 goals during his time at Sporting CP before moving to the Premier League to join Arsenal
- Some Arsenal fans raised doubts about the Swedish international following his difficult first outings in pre-season
- A former teammate of the new Arsenal signing has spoken highly of the prolific attacker, who is expected to shine in the EPL
Star forward Viktor Gyokeres opened his Arsenal account with a goal that helped the team claim the Emirates Cup, as Mikel Arteta’s side swept past Athletic Bilbao 3-0.
The Gunners finalized the £63.7 million signing of the Swedish international striker from Sporting Lisbon in late July, ending months of anticipation for a natural, out-and-out No. 9.
Source: Getty Images
Gyokeres made his debut in a 1-0 pre-season defeat to Tottenham in Hong Kong, and failed to score again against Villarreal earlier in the week. His breakthrough finally came in his third outing, finding the net against Athletic Bilbao.
Gyökeres opens Arsenal tally
As reported by Flashscore, the 27-year-old broke the deadlock in Arsenal’s final pre-season match, heading in a precise cross from fellow newcomer Martin Zubimendi.
The goal was notable given his modest aerial record — just four headed strikes in 102 games for Sporting — something rival fans had pointed to as a weakness. His well-taken header, however, proved he could be a force in the air.
Bukayo Saka doubled the lead shortly before the interval, and Kai Havertz added a third late in the match. The fixture concluded with a penalty shootout, which Arsenal won 6-5.
The victory comes just over a week before their Premier League opener away to Manchester United — a chance to make an early statement in the title race.
Watch Gyokeres’ first Arsenal goals here.
Gyokeres’ stats
Gyökeres arrives in north London as one of Europe’s most prolific goal scorers. Transfermarkt data shows he netted 97 goals and delivered 28 assists in 102 appearances for Sporting across all competitions.
In the 2024/25 season alone, he scored 54 goals and assisted 13 times in 52 matches — an extraordinary return.
Meanwhile, speaking to talkSPORT, former Coventry City teammate Ben Sheaf praised the signing:
“Knowing Vik personally and having played alongside him, I’m confident he’ll take on the challenge. He brings qualities that Arsenal may currently lack.
”For a long time, they’ve needed a true number nine. Havertz has done well there, but Vik is a different type of forward — a natural striker who thrives on leading the line and scoring goals. He’s exactly what the team and the fans have been asking for.”
Source: Getty Images
Gyokeres explains Arsenal move
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported on Viktor Gyokeres’ explanation for choosing Arsenal over other top clubs vying for his signature.
The likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester City were all understood to have monitored the talented attacker, who has established himself as one of the most productive forwards in world football.
Source: YEN.com.gh
