Arsenal announce Viktor Gyokeres and confirm bold shirt number choice

Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP after weeks of negotiations. The Gunners have finally added a goal scoring striker to their ranks and continue what has been a superb summer of business up to this point, at least in terms of addressing the team’s needs.

Gyokeres pens a long-term deal and arrives on a deal believed to be worth £55.1million upfront and a further £8.7million in add-ons. The striker takes the famous number 14 that was notably held by Thierry Henry, which is a bold move for a striker yet to prove himself at the club. Gyokeres was presented to fans in Singapore on Sunday ahead of the clash with Newcastle United

Arsenal sporting chief Andrea Berta said of the deal: “We are so pleased with the excellent deal we have completed to bring Viktor Gyökeres to the club. Viktor is an exceptional talent and has consistently demonstrated he has the qualities and winning mentality required of a top-level centre-forward. His physicality, intelligence and work ethic make him a perfect fit for our vision. We are confident Viktor will have a major impact on the pitch and become an important figure in our dressing room. Welcome, Viktor!”

Mikel Arteta added: “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Viktor Gyökeres to the club. 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’re excited about what Viktor brings to our squad and are looking forward to start working with him. We welcome Viktor and his family to Arsenal.”

Gyokeres also spoke to the club website after the move was confirmed. “I just felt that it was the right club for me,” he said. “What I heard from Mikel and Andrea when I was speaking with them, and just what I've seen in the past years, how they've been playing football. When I was playing against Arsenal last season, I could really feel it was a very strong team and very difficult to play against.

“That made me choose Arsenal, and of course all the history the club has and the massive fanbase. It's been amazing to see all the support that they have already given me before I even arrived. That's what it's all about. It's going to be very nice to see them in the stadiums as well.”

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