Arsenal

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"Our mindset is to win the Premier League and we will give everything from the first game," says Arsenal centre-back William Saliba.

The Gunners have strengthened their squad this summer, providing much-needed depth to mount a serious challenge, and are ready to take the next step to get their hands on the title.

"We have to learn from the last three seasons," said Saliba. "Of course, we are lucky to have a chance to compete in the Premier League again and try to win.

"We have a lot of new players and they will hopefully help us to win this league."

With expectation comes pressure, but that is not something the France international fears.

"Pressure is good," he added. "That means we are in a good place.

"We need to keep going like this. If we are not good we don't have pressure, so it's good.

"We play football to have pressure. We are in a good mood and we've had a good trip [in Singapore]."

Neil Johnston and Emlyn Begley
BBC Sport journalists

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"I don't think he's the guy," former England defender Rio Ferdinand said of Viktor Gyokeres on his Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, when the striker was linked with Manchester United.

"I've watched him probably three times really, really closely. And three times I've gone: 'He ain't getting that opportunity in the Prem'. Is there enough - after he's physically matched - to get him a goal?"

Take a glance at the list of leading goalscorers in Europe's top leagues in 2024-25 and the usual suspects are there.

Gyokeres, who is 6ft 2in, managed 39, though the Primeira Liga is not considered one of the top five leagues in Europe.

The question is whether Gyokeres he can be prolific in a stronger league. He has just turned 27 and is yet to play in Europe's top five divisions - hence Ferdinand's comments.

It is perhaps worth noting 35% of his goals in 2024-25 came from penalties, as he successfully converted all 19 of his spot-kicks.

There is little denying that Gyokeres is a goalscorer, but will he be such a success against elite-level defences?

"Obviously with Arsenal's front players there's going to be competition," Bjorn Hamberg, Gyokeres' former assistant coach at Brighton and fellow Swede, told BBC Sport.

"I think he's committed to let go again and obviously he understands that Arsenal will be another step up in the ladder.

"At the same time, in his last few seasons, especially in the Champions League, you can see he is probably more prepared than ever to take that challenge on.

"He improves every year and normally stays fit. He's just one of those players who is good around the box, a 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."

• Read more on Viktor Gyokeres

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says it "has been a long journey" to sign striker Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon but everyone is now "very excited" that he is here.

The 27-year-old was unveiled before the Gunners 3-2 win over Newcastle in Singapore, having gone straight from the airport to the stadium.

As he has not yet trained with his new team-mates, and has not properly trained since Sporting won the Primeira Liga title in May, Arteta is yet to confirm whether the striker will be available for their game against Tottenham in Hong Kong on Thursday.

"We are super happy to have Viktor with us," said Arteta. "It's been a long journey to get him over here.

"He's been incredible. He was very clear from the beginning where he wanted to play and that passion I felt from him from day one when we first spoke.

"You can see the boys [are] very excited with his arrival.

"I don't think he has had a single training session with the team since the last game with Sporting when they became champions. So we will assess him.

"He's done all the medicals and everything is looking good, but getting him up to speed with the right levels of fitness is very important.

"So we're not going to stop him. We want him with us as quick as possible, but we'll have to assess and the medical team will do that."

Newcastle and Tottenham are interested in Arsenal's Gabriel Jesus, 28, but the Brazil forward is also wanted by Barcelona, AC Milan and Inter Milan. (Caught Offside), external

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Alex Howell
BBC Sport football news reporter

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New Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres was introduced to the crowd in Singapore while 15-year-old Max Dowman once again impressed as the Gunners beat Newcastle 3-2 in pre-season.

As soon as it was announced before the match that Gyokeres would be arriving in Singapore, the pre-season friendly was not going to be the most important topic of the day.

Supporters in the stadium were mimicking the trademark celebration of the Swedish striker and, when he was welcomed to the pitch from the tunnel surrounded by flames, the noise levels went up a notch.

The 27-year-old forward has not trained with his new team-mates and came straight from the airport to the stadium to greet the crowd.

Germany forward Kai Havertz has done an excellent job leading the line for Arsenal over the past couple of seasons but Gyokeres is the type of traditional centre-forward Gunners fans have been crying out for.

The only real worry from the match for Mikel Arteta was that Riccardo Calafiori limped off just two minutes into the second half and was replaced by Jakub Kiwior.

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We asked for your views on whether Viktor Gyokeres is the right man to solve Mikel Arteta's striker conundrum and what a successful first season would look like for the club's sixth arrival of the summer.

Here are some of your comments:

Lachlan: Gyokeres is definitely the man we need - someone who is on form and hungry as well as having ridiculous goal contributions! I've genuinely never been this excited for a signing before. I can't wait to see him play.

Dan: The obvious missing piece to the puzzle is finally in place! Hopefully he can get up to speed quickly in a more competitive league. We just need to get a deal done for Eberechi Eze as an extra central attacking midfielder/left-winger and that will be a solid transfer window.

Will: It's interesting that Gyokeres went through various clubs, honing his skills, and eventually became a potent striker with Sporting. At 27, he is entering his prime years. Let's not forget that before William Saliba established himself as a stalwart in the team, he was out on loan for three seasons finessing his skills. Andrea Berta has shown his worth in a very short time with some very shrewd business.

Hans: Finally! If Arteta had Mikel Merino and Kai Havertz scoring up top, I think Gyokeres will be a very huge hit at the club.

Guy: I'm not sure Gyokeres is the right striker for us, but having him in the team will definitely improve us. I think it is a big risk for the amount of money paid and a lot of pressure on him. Hopefully Arteta can work on some tactics to get the best out of him because he is great in transition but we are a possession team.

Oluwarotimi: Gyokeres seems to be the round peg in the round hole. He is no longer a novice or a rookie to the Premier League. His determination, dedication and diligence hopefully will make an outstanding performer next season.

Alexius: I haven't been this excited since Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang! This is a great signing, he will score a minimum of 20 goals and lead us to the title.

Lu: He is our new Freddie Ljungberg.

Sean: Let's not get too excited yet, let's wait until end of next season! I'm a lifelong Gooner so he has a lot to prove. Fingers crossed he doesn't get injured in the early or end part of this campaign!

Alex Howell
BBC Sport football news reporter

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Arsenal's new £63m signing Viktor Gyokeres is going to attend Arsenal's pre-season friendly with Newcastle on Sunday.

Gyokeres will be in the National Stadium in Singapore to watch his new team-mates play their second friendly match of the tour.

The forward will then be part of the squad that travels to Hong Kong on Tuesday before the Gunners play Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday.

Alex Howell
BBC Sport football news reporter

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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."

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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?

Let us know here

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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.

Alex Howell
BBC Sport football news reporter

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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."

Jordan Butler
BBC Sport journalist

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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.

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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."

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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."

The Gunners are close to confirming the signing of Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres and Arteta says he will be flexible in choosing his starting forwards next season.

"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."

Alex Howell
BBC Sport football news reporter

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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.

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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.

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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?

Let us know your thoughts here