Mikel Arteta issues update on Arsenal transfer plans as Viktor Gyokeres warning fired

ARSENAL 3-0 ATHLETIC CLUB: Viktor Gyokeres grabbed his first Gunners goal as Mikel Arteta’s side ended pre-season by winning the Emirates Cup

Mikel Arteta insists Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz can play together in attack for Arsenal. The forward duo both found the target as the Gunners ended pre-season on a high with a 3-0 demolition of Athletic Club.

Gyokeres grabbed his first Arsenal goal in front of a delighted home crowd while Havertz also gave his boss something to think about after entering the pitch as a sub and scoring after Bukayo Saka’s second.

Arteta is relishing his newly-established squad depth, stating: “They can play together, Kai can play in different positions as well. It elevates the team’s level and options of the squad. It’s great to see both of them scoring and it’s a good problem to have.”

Gyokeres hit 39 league goals in Portugal last season but none of them were with his head. Arteta believes the £63.7million frontman brings so much to the table and has warned opposition defenders they face being “destroyed” if they afford him space.

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He continued ahead of next week’s Premier League opener at Old Trafford: “Everything he does is on instinct. That’s why he’s scored so many in the last few seasons. It’s goals, he’s a threat, he pins centre-backs and when you leave him with space 1v1 he will destroy you.”

Arsenal also won the post-match penalty shootout 6-5 as new boy Martin Zubimendi, who assisted Gyokeres, netted the decisive spot-kick. The Spaniard looks worth every penny of his £60m fee.

Arteta also claimed the Gunners might not yet be done in the market, adding: “Let’s see what happens in terms of where the squad is in the next few weeks. We are actively looking at options, there are a few players that may have to leave as well. We are open to seeing what happens.”

Arteta expects Leandro Trossard to be fit to face Manchester United even though he’s battling a groin issue. On the pitch, Declan Rice encouraged Gyokeres to treat the Emirates to his trademark mask celebration after opening his account for Arsenal.

Two minutes later, Gyokeres, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli combined, teeing up red-hot Saka to double the hosts’ advantage. Havertz, who has come back from injury in impressive physical shape, then burst through on goal, showcasing tremendous speed to collect Saka’s hooked pass before finishing cutely.

Arteta was also pleased with the reception Noni Madueke received from the home crowd, explaining: “The reception that he got every time he was on the ball was super positive. You can tell the quality he has every time he’s on the ball.”

Arsenal have no other fitness concern as Riccardo Calafiori also made his return, playing the opening 45 minutes.

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