Piers Morgan reveals Mikel Arteta chat discussing new Arsenal star he ‘absolutely loves’

Piers Morgan discussed Arsenal’s transfer business with Mikel Arteta and praised his signing of Viktor Gyokeres, who he insists will prove to be a massive success

Piers Morgan has revealed a discussion with Mikel Arteta whereby he praised the Arsenal boss for bringing Viktor Gyokeres to the club and believes the Swede will enjoy a goalscoring run once he’s into his rhythm.

It was the first time the broadcaster had met the Gunners boss and he was adamant that the north Londoners were now equipped to do something special. He talked up his transfer business but saved particular praise for their import from Sporting Lisbon.

Adding a striker was a priority for Arteta, who is looking to end a run of three second-places in a row. Gyokeres has come in to lead the line but has not entirely convinced and finally ended a lengthy run of goalless games when he notched a brace against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.

The Swede has had to cop criticism for his slow start in front of goal, but has seen several people jump to his defence with Morgan among those to insist he will prove a top buy.

He told TalkSport: “Suddenly into my eye line came Mikel Arteta. I said look ‘Mikel, I don’t want to interrupt’. He was very friendly, got up and we had a nice chat. I said this is it Mikel, we now have the team, we now have the squad. So we got talking and I said all your new signings have been fantastic – Zubimendi to Madueke – but the one I absolutely love is Gyokeres.

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“He said why and I said I just think he’s that missing link. He’s just a good old fashion, hardworking centre forward. Does a lot of great runs, pulls defenders away, allows the likes of Saka and Martinelli so much more space. I said I’ve seen enough of his goalscoring, that when he gets a taste and I think he’ll never stop. and then the other night, okay they’re both ugly goals, but he made them by getting in the right position.”

Arsenal have been able to seize on Liverpool’s recent issues to go top of the Premier League, sitting three points ahead of Manchester City with the Reds a point further back. They are also three from three in the Champions League as they look to improve on last year’s semi-final

Morgan was raving about the state of the squad as he said: “Our record defensively is statistically better than anyone in the world. I also think we’ve now got at least two great players in every position.”

But the controversial former Good Morning Britain host admitted that City and Liverpool will pose threats – owing to the firepower they have in the team – whilst insisting Arsenal are the team to beat.

He said: “Haaland is obviously playing out of his skin and when you have a striker like that and a good squad obviously you’re going to be dangerous. Liverpool are going to get better. You can’t add Isak to an already champion team and not expect them to be competitive – but I do think they’re all looking at Arsenal and thinking ‘wow, this guys are serious’.”

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