Gyokeres' 'stubbornness' will make him a success at Arsenal published at 11:18 27 July
11:18 27 July
Alex Howell BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Now that Viktor Gyokeres has officially signed for Arsenal, the question has moved on to whether he will be a success with the Gunners.
His goal record speaks for itself at Sporting, with the forward scoring 97 goals in 102 appearances and providing 26 assists during his time in Portugal.
Bjorn Hamberg, a former assistant coach to Graham Potter at Chelsea and Brighton, and recently a coach at Feyenoord, worked with Gyokeres when he was a young player coming through at the Seagulls.
At the time, the plan for Gyokeres was to be the third or fourth choice striker and to be given minutes in cup games.
However, Gyokeres did not want to only have that role and Hamberg says he "pushed to get out on loan because he just had a mindset of if he plays, he's going to do well".
"What I like with him is that he's quite stubborn," he added.
"His mindset is really good. He doesn't just sit down and wait for something to happen, he really wants grab it himself."
Gyokeres went on loan to Swansea and scored just one goal in 12 appearances and Hamberg said that the Swedish striker just wanted to find a "different solution to go again".
That solution was for Gyokeres to go on loan to Coventry City in January 2021.
The 27-year-old scored three goals in the second half of the campaign, including his first league goal in English football, and made his move permanent that summer at the age of 23.
During the next two seasons he would become one of the most prolific strikers in the Championship, netting 43 goals in 116 appearances.
"I would say that he is similar from then to now, hard-working, but a lot of power, a lot of runs behind," Hamberg continued.
"I always liked that directness towards goal, whether he was involved in the buildup or not, and it was probably less with us, but he used to come off from training and he would have scored a goal or two.
"He always had that ability to find the back of the net."
After helping Sporting to two league titles and scoring goals in the Champions League, Hamberg believes that Gyokeres' ability and his stature mean he is likely do well in the Premier League.
"What I like along with his ability in the Premier League, he has got the physicality for sure. He improves every year and normally stays fit," he added.
"He's just one of those players who is good around the box, good finisher, but he's also quite strong in transition and in big spaces.
"So he's quite versatile in that sense and I think that's a really big thing in the Premier League."
Arsenal seal Gyokeres deal - send us your thoughtspublished at 19:22 26 July
19:22 26 July
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So, Arsenal have finally signed striker Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting.
The Sweden international scored 54 goals in 52 games last season and has found the net 97 times in 102 matches during his two seasons in Portugal, firing Sporting to two league titles.
Is Gyokeres the right man to fill Mikel Arteta's gap in the number nine role? And what does a successful first season look like?
'His goal contributions speak for themselves' - Arteta on Gyokerespublished at 19:19 26 July
19:19 26 July
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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says he is "absolutely delighted" to welcome new signing Viktor Gyokeres through the doors of the Emirates, after the striker agreed to a £63m move from Sporting.
The 27-year-old, who made 102 appearances and scored 97 goals over a two-year spell at the Portuguese club, has penned a five-year contract.
"We are absolutely delighted to welcome Viktor Gyokeres to the club," Arteta said. "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 goalscoring 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 are excited about what Viktor brings to our squad and are looking forward to working with him."
Gyokeres will officially wear the number 14 shirt and will be joining the Gunners on their pre-season tour in Asia.
'No assurances given about number one spot' - Rayapublished at 14:36 26 July
14:36 26 July
Alex Howell BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has revealed that Mikel Arteta has not given him "any assurances" about remaining his first choice goalkeeper.
The 29-year-old has been first choice for Arsenal since signing for the club, taking over from Aaron Ramsdale.
However, Arsenal signed Kepa Arrizabalaga this summer and the former Chelsea and Bournemouth goalkeeper saved three penalties in a shoot-out in their pre-season opener against AC Milan.
And Raya says that Arteta has not given him any guarantees about his starting place following Arrizabalaga's £5m signing.
"[He has said] Nothing - he just came as a new team-mate and to add another goalie to the group," Raya told BBC Sport. "The manager hasn't said anything, so we will see what happens."
Raya and Arrizabalaga know each other well as the pair both represent Spain.
Arrizabalaga became the most expensive goalkeeper in the world after joining Chelsea for £71m in 2018, but Raya does not think the arrival of another high-profile shot-stopper at Arsenal will add more pressure on him.
"No I think it is just a healthy relationship," Raya said. "We are friends. We have been together in the national team and now we are here, so we have that healthy relationship and, let's say, 'healthy partnership' in goal.
"We know how tough it is to be a goalkeeper. There is only one goalkeeper playing and we will see what happens. That is the job of the boss and he will decide."
Viktor Gyokeres, who is set to complete his move to Arsenal over the next 48 hours, averaged more than a goal a game in the season just gone at Sporting, notching 54 in 52 appearances, with 39 of those coming in the Portuguese top flight.
He was the division's top scorer by a distance, bagging more than double the number of Porto's highly rated Spain Under-21 striker Samu and Benfica's Greek forward Vangelis Pavlidis, who scored twice against England at Wembley in October.
It is perhaps worth noting, though, that 35% of his goals in 2024-25 were penalties, with Gyokeres converting all 19 of his spot-kicks.
He is also productive at international level and finished top of the 2024-25 Nations League scoring charts with nine goals for Sweden, one more than Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo. However, five of those were scored in matches against Azerbaijan.
Prior to his spell in Portugal, Gyokeres notched 43 goals in 116 league and cup appearances for Championship side Coventry City and his former employers are set to land 10% of any profit Sporting receive above the price they paid for the marksman.
'I know this is a step up in quality - but I'm here to contribute'published at 14:55 25 July
14:55 25 July
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Christian Norgaard says making the move to Arsenal is an "amazing step" at this stage of his career but he is "realistic" in terms his opportunities for game time.
The 31-year-old made the move from Brentford - where he was captain - this summer after six years and 196 appearances for the Bees.
He started all 34 Premier League games he was available for last season, but when asked on Arsenal's pre-season tour about a potential change of role Norgaard said: "I'm realistic of course. I know this is a step up in terms of quality and size of club, but I'm also here to contribute - otherwise I wouldn't have made the move.
"I know there are some of the best players in the world in my position here. It will be competitive. There are the things you see in the weekend on the pitch, but there are a lot of things going on around the football team. I really hope I can help this team on and off the pitch.
"It's about being available. It's about being fit. I'm used to playing 38 games plus a couple of cup games, but here it will be close to 60 games maybe. You need a full squad and, for me, it is about being available. I know my chances will come and it's just about taking them when they're there.
"t was a chance to represent Arsenal at the age of 31. I was coming to a later stage of my career and I signed a new deal with Brentford, but when the interest came from Arsenal and I first talked with Mikel Arteta, it was very clear to me that I would do everything to be able to play here.
"To get this adventure, to be part of a team that has such big ambitions is for me an amazing step to take at this stage of my career."
'I'm very happy with what he is doing' - Arteta on Martinellipublished at 14:03 25 July
14:03 25 July
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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says he "always wants better" from his players but is "very happy" with forward Gabriel Martinelli.
Martinelli has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League this summer after an injury-hit campaign in which he started 25 Premier League games and managed eight goals.
The Gunners have strengthened in wide areas with the addition of Noni Madueke from Chelsea.
"With all our front players, I think they are very dependent on the environment we create around them," Arteta said before Sunday's pre-season friendly against Newcastle in Singapore.
"We always want better and more from every single player. I think Gabi has performed very well and very consistently in the past three or four seasons.
"Last year, he had the bad injury that he picked up and he missed a lot of games - but I'm very happy with what he is doing with us."
"It is about impact and performance," he added. "How they are feeling, how their emotional state is, how their confidence is.
"Then as well, the connections you can generate in the team - who links better with who in what we want to achieve in that game and against the opponent that behaves in a particular way.
"That decision relates to that. Once someone is in the right moment and pushing the door full of confidence, for sure the manager is not going to stop them playing."
Mosquera gives availability and versatilitypublished at 13:05 25 July
13:05 25 July
Alex Howell BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Arsenal have secured the signing of Cristhian Mosquera and have added what they feel is a young defender with quality to add options to their backline.
He has played senior football for two seasons and in 2024-25, he not only played the most minutes of anyone in the Valencia squad, but also the second most of any outfield player in the whole of La Liga.
That type of availability is important to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who will be hopeful to avoid the injuries which caused so many issues for him last season.
Alongside the availability, Mosquera can play across every position in defence, adding versatility to a strong Gunners squad.
The 21-year-old may take time to adapt to the league and country but with a large contingent of Spanish speakers at Arsenal, the process of settling in should be a lot easier.
'Great addition' who is 'in the Saliba mould' - but two strikers still neededpublished at 09:19 25 July
09:19 25 July
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We asked for your views on whether new signing Cristhian Mosquera is the defensive back-up needed for William Saliba and who Arsenal should be targeting next.
Here are some of your comments:
Alan: Mosquera is a strong addition to our defensive line-up, but we have to get a striker through the door to have any chance of silverware next season.
Dave: Anything that adds depth and quality to the first-team squad is welcome. Two strikers minimum are needed over the course of a season - we shouldn't have capability gaps when we are the most profitable club in the Premier League. I hope the club have that all in hand at this stage.
Colin: He sounds as though he is in the mould of Saliba, which gives great cover and Saliba can get the occasional rest. This is happening all around the squad, giving us options now and for the future.
Hammy: Mosquera is a well-thought-of signing in terms of age, cover for Saliba - and as a prodigy for the position in the future. His stats from Valencia are amazing given his age. He is a promising player who has a point to prove in the Premier League. He will challenge Saliba and contribute to Arsenal's success. Arsenal should target Eberechi Eze as the final signing this summer to give balance to the midfield of Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard. His versatility would be key to keeping the Arsenal attack ticking when injuries happen.
Okumu: Arsenal must target back-up for Bukayo Saka and another powerful and skilful striker is needed to support Viktor Gyokeres when required. Get rid of Kai Havertz. Arsenal have no time any more to teach the unteachable, and no silverware will come with the likes of Harvertz, who failed to produce even a shot on target in the friendly against AC Milan.
Clive: They seem to have the defence covered with some quality players. Now it is time to concentrate on attacking players now who can hopefully get us some goals.
'I'm joining a historic, massive club' - Mosquerapublished at 17:30 24 July
17:30 24 July
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Arsenal's latest signing Cristhian Mosquera says he is "fully motivated and excited" to get going at such a "historic, massive club".
The 21-year-old defender, who will link up with the Gunners in Asia, made 90 appearances for Valencia after progressing through their academy.
"It means a lot to me," Mosquera said. "There's been a lot of hard work behind all of this.
"It's an opportunity that came up and I couldn't let it pass me by. I'm joining a historic, massive club. When you arrive here with your family, you really feel the greatness of this place.
"It's true my career has moved faster than expected and I've had to mature fast. Coming here is a chance to keep learning and improving.
"I'll be working with great players and a top-class coaching staff, so that will help me develop personally.
"I'm a player with a lot of energy. I'm young, so I still have plenty to give. I'm fully motivated and excited.
"Above all, I want to improve, which will create competition within the squad. I'm really happy."
Mosquera follows Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard and Noni Madueke in being added to Mikel Arteta's squad this summer.
Arsenal have previously been credited with an interest in Newcastle's Alexander Isak, who wants to explore a move away from St James' Park this summer. The Gunners have the budget for the Sweden striker, but they turned their attention to Viktor Gyokeres and are close to finalising a deal.
What do you think? Is Mosquera the back-up needed for William Saliba? And who should Arsenal be targeting next?
'I feel really fit and really strong' - Ricepublished at 13:38 24 July
13:38 24 July
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Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice says having a month's break followed by a full pre-season will make a "massive" difference to the way he starts the new campaign.
Rice, along with several other Premier League players, had a quick turnaround from Euro 2024 and had just 16 days off to recover before returning to training.
He expects the much-needed downtime will boost his physical and mental performance.
"I'm putting really big demands on myself this year" said Rice. "I'm really trying to push myself because the back end of the season I finished really, really strong.
"At the start of the season last year, I was nowhere near the level I require of myself.
"I put it down to a few things. The back of the Euros final was mentally really tough.
"Having 16 days off and going straight back into a Premier League season was really, really hard. It took me a few months to get going again.
"But now I'm getting a full pre-season, I feel really fit, really strong and I'm going to try to kick off the new season really, really strong."
Arteta cautious over Gabriel 'niggle'published at 16:45 23 July
16:45 23 July
Alex Howell BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Mikel Arteta has said that centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes missed the pre-season win over AC Milan with a "niggle" he picked up in training.
The 27-year-old underwent surgery and missed the final two months of the 2024-25 season with a hamstring injury and for that reason, Arteta does not want to take any risks with the defender.
"Gabby had a little niggle the other day in training," he explained. "Because of the fact that he has been out so long as well, we have to manage him.
"We have been in Spain - a different pitch, different conditions. We go to the UK, different ones - come here, again a lot of changes. We have to minimise the risk with him."
Arsenal have an open training session on Friday in Singapore before they play Newcastle United on Sunday before going to Hong Kong to play Tottenham Hotspur next Thursday.
Chelsea in Simons talks as Arsenal made aware of situationpublished at 14:10 23 July
14:10 23 July
Sami Mokbel Senior football correspondent
Image source, Getty Images
Chelsea are advancing with their interest in RB Leipzig forward Xavi Simons.
Talks over personal terms for the 22-year-old are under way, with Simons understood to be open to a move to Stamford Bridge and the Bundesliga club aware of the Blues' interest.
Sources have indicated Bayern Munich also hold a level of interest in Netherlands international Simons, but the German champions are currently focused on Liverpool forward Luis Diaz.
Arsenal have also been made aware of Simons' situation.
Arteta 'the one' - Zubimendi on why he chose Arsenalpublished at 12:20 23 July
12:20 23 July
Alex Howell BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
New Arsenal signing Martin Zubimendi says it "wasn't an easy time" for him last summer, as he tried to decide what was best for his future during a spell of intense transfer speculation.
The Spain midfielder finally completed a £60m move to Emirates Stadium from Real Sociedad earlier this month but acknowledged rumours about his future have been rumbling for 12 months.
"The first question I had to answer was whether I wanted to leave Real, and it wasn't the right time," he explained.
"I felt that Real offered me more opportunities and that I still had a lot to learn, so staying at Real was the best decision for me."
Zubimendi and Arteta hit it off after speaking on the phone and the Spain international says the Arsenal manager's "obsession" with "details" is one of the reasons he wanted to join the club.
"I don't know what he saw in me, but I saw him as one of the top coaches in Europe. he explained. "At the end of the day, I wanted a quality coach when I left Real Sociedad.
"I think I've found him. In the few days I've been here, I've seen how meticulous he is about every aspect of the game, so I think he's the one."
Zubimendi also says he is learning "a lot" from his new boss.
"I think I'm going to try to do things I didn't do before," he said. "Playing in that position, I'll try to bring balance and provide that passing outlet that I'm known for.
"Beyond that, I'm sure he'll ask me to do new things."
The midfielder is a statement signing for the Gunners and it is hoped he can be the catalyst to help the club to begin a new era of winning trophies after coming so close in recent seasons.
"I hope so," said Zubimendi. "The most important thing about this club is that they learn from previous seasons.
"I think the lessons they've learned from how last season ended will be key to getting even closer to this year's targets.
"Ultimately, I believe that football comes down to details, especially in the Champions League.
"In that semi-final, Arsenal were the only team in that semi-final who truly stood up to PSG [Paris St-Germain], and they let it slip because of minor details."
Image source, Getty Images
