Arsenal finally complete Viktor Gyokeres transfer as long striker search ends

Viktor Gyokeres has completed his move to Arsenal for a fee that could rise to £63.7m as the former Coventry City striker gets the move he pushed for all summer

Arsenal have completed the signing of Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon for £63.7million – and the Swede will join up with his new team-mates on their pre-season tour of Asia.

Gyokeres, who will wear the No.14 shirt for the Gunners, had been tipped to leave Sporting Lisbon this summer after two hugely prolific seasons in Portugal and failed to report for pre-season training in an effort to force a move away from the Portuguese champions.

Arsenal made Gyokeres their top target after pivoting from Benjamin Sesko when the RB Leipzig striker’s wage demands became an issue. The Gunners have since been in discussions with Sporting – the move was initially held up because of negotiations regarding add-on payments – but an agreement has now been reached.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta said: “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Viktor Gyokeres 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 said: “I always want to score. To be a part of this club and to score in this kit and with this badge in front of all the supporters, I can’t wait. It will be an amazing feeling.

“I started here [in England], it feels like a long time ago. I think I’ve improved a lot since then. Now I want to prove myself for real and perform together with the team.”

Gyokeres will return to England, where he previously played for Brighton and Hove Albion, Swansea City and Coventry City. It was his performances with the Sky Blues that saw Sporting, then led by Ruben Amorim, sign the striker.

Gyokeres’s competitive debut for Arsenal is likely to come against Manchester United at the start of the Premier League season on August 17 – which will see him come up against his former manager.

Arsenal knew that their priority this summer was on adding an out and out striker with Arteta having to find makeshift solutions. That has seen Kai Havertz often lead the line over the past 18 months when fit, whilst Gabriel Jesus has struggled for fitness and consistency.

Gyokeres takes Arsenal’s spending to around the £200m mark with the Swede joining the likes of Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke in bolstering the club’s squad ahead of another attempt at ending their wait for a Premier League title.

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