Gyokeres is expected to touch down in London on Friday to finalize his £63.8 million transfer from Sporting CP, bringing an end to Arsenal’s extended search for a reliable centre-forward. ..Continue Reading
After joining Sporting from Coventry for €20 million (£17.5 million) in 2023, the Swedish international delivered an incredible tally of 97 goals in 102 appearances.
Though his departure this summer had long been anticipated, the situation evolved into a drawn-out transfer saga.
Despite having a €100 million (£85 million) release clause in his contract, Gyokeres believed there was a verbal agreement allowing him to leave for €60 million (£51 million) plus €10 million (£8 million) in bonuses.
However, Sporting CP’s president Frederico Varandas publicly denied any such arrangement.
In protest, Gyokeres skipped pre-season training and informed club officials he would no longer play for them, paving the way for his move to Arsenal.
Guardiola has witnessed Gyokeres’ talent firsthand against English opposition.
Last November, Gyokeres netted a hat-trick in Sporting CP’s emphatic 4-1 victory over Manchester City during the Champions League group stage.
Guardiola said: “We have Erling Haaland, the best striker in the world.
“Gyokeres is a very important player for them but he has been with [Ruben] Amorim for a long time, you can see the patterns, the joy.”
Guardiola’s words serve as a warning to Arsenal supporters that their new striker may need to be given time to adapt.
Given Arteta is an astute technician, it may not be a quick switch. And most importantly he should bring goals.
Although the Portuguese league is an easier division when compared to the Premier League, Gyokeres has an incredible ability to score goals.
If the coach gets it right, then they have one of Europe’s best forwards.
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