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Metro
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Metro
'I may get attacked for this' - Gyokeres sent warning ahead of Arsenal transfer
William Gallas has issued a warning to Viktor Gyokeres ahead of his £63.5m move to Arsenal. After a protracted transfer saga, Gyokeres is finally set to join Mikel Arteta's squad from Portuguese champions Sporting Lisbon. Gyokeres has been one of the most prolific goalscorers in the world over the past two seasons, scoring 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting. The 27-year-old Sweden international emerged as Arsenal's top target for the No. 9 position after Andrea Berta hit an impasse in a bid to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig. Gyokeres has already agreed terms on a five-year deal with Arsenal and is expected to be unveiled by the Gunners in the coming days. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we'll send you so we can get football news tailored to you. Gallas says Gyokeres will be taking several steps up when he swaps Sporting Lisbon for Arsenal and therefore fears the striker could struggle in his first year in the Premier League. 'He's not just making one step,' Gallas told Genting Casino. 'Going from Sporting to Arsenal right now is more like two or three steps. 'He will be playing against defenders who are really strong, maybe the strongest. In the first season, he will need to adapt. 'He's tall, he's massive, so I may get attacked for saying this but in Portugal, he had a much bigger advantage on the defenders. He will need to adapt to the Premier League defenders quickly. 'There's a chance that his second year is much stronger than his first year at Arsenal. 'But Arsenal will not be wanting to wait for a major trophy any longer. And the signing of a striker is seen as that last piece of the puzzle to do exactly that. 'I hope that, if he comes in, he hits the ground running. We've all been waiting for Arsenal to sign a killer. Only time will tell if Gyokeres is an assassin in the Premier League.' Gyokeres could become Arsenal's fourth summer signing following Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga. The Gunners are also close to signing England winger Noni Madueke in a £55m deal from London rivals Chelsea. Arsenal saw off competition from Real Madrid to sign Spain midfielder Zubimendi from Real Sociedad and Gallas is excited by the transfer. 'The way he has played for Real Sociedad, and the job that he has done at the base of the midfield… that's what Arsenal need,' Gallas added. More Trending 'It's exactly what Arsenal need To have that player just in front of the defence, allowing the other midfielders who do maybe half defensive and half attacking duties to really focus on creating goals for Arsenal. 'The fact that Liverpool and Real Madrid were also both very interested in Zubimendi shows you a lot. It shows you how highly regarded his skills are.' Arsenal finished second in the Premier League for the third year in a row last season while reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League. Arteta's side begin their 2025-26 Premier League campaign on August 17 against rivals Manchester United. MORE: Troy Deeney rates Chelsea's Premier League title chances after Club World Cup triumph MORE: Enzo Maresca told to replace Chelsea star after Club World Cup final MORE: Joao Pedro blasts PSG after Luis Enrique fight in Club World Cup final
Daily Mirror
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Ex-Arsenal star admits he 'may get attacked' for verdict on Viktor Gyokeres deal
Arsenal are closing in on a £63.5m deal with Sporting Lisbon for primary target Viktor Gyokeres, but former Gunners star William Gallas has warned the striker he will have to make "two or three steps up" in the Premier League Former Arsenal star William Gallas has warned Viktor Gyokeres he may need to make "two or three steps up" when he arrives in the Premier League, insisting it will be hard for him to adapt to the rigours of the English top flight. The Gunners are closing in on the signing of £63.5m Gyokeres after reaching a breakthrough in talks with his club Sporting Lisbon, in what is a huge boost for Mikel Arteta amid his search for a top quality striker. Gyokeres scored 54 goals in 52 games for Sporting last season and is being tipped to help Arsenal end their trophy drought and compete regularly for the Premier League title. Last season Arsenal played much of the campaign without a recognised No.9 and fans are celebrating the impending arrival of Gyokeres, but former defender Gallas has warned excited supporters that the Swedish star may take time to get up to speed in England. Gallas conceded he "may get attacked" for his opinion that Gyokeres had a bigger advantage against defenders in the Portuguese league. "He's not just making one step up. It's more like two or three steps, from Sporting to Arsenal right now," Gallas told Genting Casino. "He'll be playing against defenders who are really strong, maybe the strongest. In the first season, he will need to adapt. He's tall, he's massive, so I may get attacked for saying this but in Portugal, he had a much bigger advantage on the defenders. He will need to adapt to the Premier League defenders quickly." Gallas, who played 142 times for Arsenal, said he hoped Gyokeres was an immediate success at the Emirates but told fans not to be surprised if he was better in his second season. "There's a chance that his second year is much stronger than his first year at Arsenal," he added. "But Arsenal will not be wanting to wait for a major trophy any longer. And the signing of a striker is seen as that last piece of the puzzle to do exactly that. "I hope that, if he comes in, he comes in and hits the ground running. We've all been waiting for Arsenal to sign a killer. Only time will tell if Gyokeres is an assassin in the Premier League." It's understood Gyokeres has already agreed personal terms on a five-year deal with Arsenal, who hope to have him in time for their pre-season tour in Asia. The deal has been far from straight forward, with Sporting initially playing hardball after Arsenal's bid of £60m was rejected, with Gyokeres going on strike to force a move. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Metro
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Metro
William Gallas says Chelsea are right not to sign 'crazy' £45m Man Utd target
William Gallas believes Chelsea would be wise to avoid a move for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez in this summer's transfer window. Chelsea have already made attempts to sign a new goalkeeper this summer, but were unsuccessful in their pursuit of Mike Maignan prior to the Club World Cup. The French goalkeeper was keen on a move to Stamford Bridge, but AC Milan have since confirmed that their captain will not be leaving the club this summer. Later reports suggested that the Blues had been offered the chance to sign Martinez for £45million, with Villa looking to cash in on the World Cup winner due to their financial situation. However, it has been said that while Chelsea 'respect' Martinez, they do not currently plan to make an offer for the Argentina international who has also attracted interest from Manchester United. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link so we can send you football news tailored to you. And that decision has been endorsed by former Blues defender Gallas who believes that the 32-year-old's crazy antics would make him a bad fit for the London club. 'He's a good goalkeeper,' Gallas told Prime Casino. 'Obviously, he was a key player for Argentina. He's done well at Aston Villa since he joined them from Arsenal those years ago, but I have to admit, I have some serious doubts about whether he would be a good fit for Chelsea. 'I don't know if he's got the right profile to be the goalkeeper of Chelsea. When I think about his antics, I just don't think he would be a positive addition to the club. 'People talk about his personality, his passion, I'm not sure that is a good fit for the club. I don't think he would be the right goalkeeper. 'Chelsea need a goalkeeper that is as good as him or maybe better, but with a different profile. Someone that does their job without doing all of the other stuff that Martinez does.' 'I'm sorry but give me the name of one goalkeeper with the same profile,' Gallas continued. 'Name another goalkeeper who grabs his crotch and dances around when he makes a save, one goalkeeper who has done that who has played for a big club. You won't be able to name one. More Trending 'Goalkeepers are crazy. Jens Lehmann, he was crazy. Carlo Cudicini, he was crazy. Cech was cool. 'Lehmann would never behave like Martinez – Martinez brings too much negative attention. You want a goalkeeper to make saves, keep clean sheets and leave the pitch. Martinez doesn't do that.' While Chelsea don't currently look likely to pursue a move for Martinez, they have been active in the window as they look to provide Maresca with more attacking firepower. Liam Delap and Joao Pedro have both arrived from Ipswich Town and Brighton respectively, while a deal for Borussia Dortmund's Jamie Gittens is reportedly close to being finalised. For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Troy Deeney tips 'exceptional' Chelsea star for Barcelona or Real Madrid transfer MORE: Palmeiras vs Chelsea UK time, TV channel, stream, team news and odds MORE: Man Utd star stripped of iconic shirt number as transfer exit looms
Metro
29-06-2025
- Sport
- Metro
Mikel Arteta accused of making Arsenal transfer mistake with £45m star
William Gallas has accused Mikel Arteta and Arsenal of making a potentially costly transfer mistake. The Premier League runners-up have been one of the more subdued clubs during the summer transfer window and are yet to make any signings. Arsenal are, however, set to welcome three new players to the Emirates Stadium in Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Christian Norgaard. In terms of outgoings, Jorginho and Kieran Tierney have left on free transfers and Raheem Sterling has returned to Chelsea following his dismal loan spell. Thomas Partey also looks set to leave the club and Gallas believes it would be a mistake for Arsenal not to keep him at the Emirates Stadium. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we'll send you so we can get football news tailored to you. The Ghana international held talks over a contract extension following arguably his best season with Arsenal but is yet to reach an agreement with the Gunners. Reports claim Partey has now decided to leave, given his current contract expires next week and he has attracted interest from several European clubs. Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Juventus have expressed interest in signing Partey, who has made 167 appearances for Arsenal since his £45m move from Atletico in 2020. 'I think with his quality, he could stay at Arsenal,' Gallas told Genting Casino. 'With what he has offered to the club over the last few years, he can easily stay. 'And with their depth right now, I think it is best to add, not replace. I'm not sure of the reasons why he might leave, but I'm not sure it would be the best thing if he left.' The signings of Zubimendi and Norgaard will compensate for Jorginho and Partey's departures from Arsenal. After signing those two midfielders and Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa, Arteta will prioritise a deal for a new striker, with Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko high on his wishlist. 'Arsenal have been looking for a striker for, I don't know exactly how long, but a top class striker should have arrived at Arsenal two or three years ago,' Gallas added. 'They didn't sign one. They obviously didn't think it was that important to add a top class striker. 'And I think that, when you look at their season, unfortunately, they didn't want the Premier League badly enough on a couple of occasions where they came close – last season, and also two years ago. 'They didn't want it enough to go and add that last missing piece of the puzzle. So now they are being linked with strikers again, just like they were in January. 'I hope they do get one of the strikers they want, because I hope they want the same thing every fan wants, which is to win the Premier League next season. More Trending 'If they want to have a chance at winning the league next season, for me, it depends on if they go and sign a striker who knows the Premier League very well and has proven they can score the right amount of goals at the top level. 'And I think the only player who fits that description right now is Alexander Isak. 'I know it will cost a lot of money, but he constantly scores more than 20 goals and seems to keep improving each year in the Premier League. 'So Arsenal should break the bank for him. He is the last piece of the puzzle, I feel, a perfect striker.' For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Valencia captain sends message to Cristhian Mosquera as club respond to Arsenal transfer bid MORE: Chelsea agree £55m deal and make decision over Emiliano Martinez transfer MORE: Harvey Elliott taunts Germany with wild gesture as England win Under-21 Euros
Daily Mirror
26-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Arsenal told they should ignore Real Madrid star after big 'transfer shame'
Arsenal have been tipped to spend big in their first summer with Andrea Berta in place as sporting director but a former club captain has urged them to overlook one target Former Arsenal captain William Gallas believes the Gunners should put their faith in Gabriel Martinelli rather than breaking the bank for Rodrygo. Real Madrid star Rodrygo would cost north of £75million, and Gallas believes there's no need to part with that kind of money while Martinelli is at the club. Arsenal are set for a busy summer as they aim to improve on last season's runner-up finish in the Premier League. Spanish goalkeeper Kepa is due to arrive from Chelsea this week, while te Gunners' striker search is likely to see one of Viktor Gyokeres or Benjamin Sesko join the club. A new wide forward is also high on sporting director Andrea Berta's list, especially if Leandro Trossard ends up leaving this summer. However, Gallas isn't convinced Rodrygo would be an upgrade on what they have. 'Rodrygo might want to leave Real Madrid, but that doesn't mean he will want to play for Arsenal," Gallas told Prime Casino. 'I think it's important that Arsenal stick with Gabriel Martinelli because we have seen the level he can perform at. "Things are difficult for Rodrygo at the moment but Arsenal might be better off sticking with what they have," he added. The 24-year-old scored 14 times in all competitions this season, but was limited to less than 2,000 minutes in the league Nico Williams is another player linked with that left-sided berth. The Spanish international has been a long-term target, but appears destined for Barcelona if and when he leaves Athletic Club. 'It's a big shame that it looks like Nico Williams isn't going to Arsenal, we always love to see the best players in the Premier League and he would be one of them," Gallas added. 'I think his target is to stay in Spain and potentially join Barcelona. "The football suits him well and he could form a partnership with Lamine Yamal. It'll be sad for Raphinha because he has played so well and extended his contract, maybe if he is going to keep his place then Bayern Munich could push to sign Williams.' The links with Rodrygo come after the Brazil star remained on the bench for Real Madrid's second Club World Cup group game against Pachuca. A 3-1 victory over the Mexican side means Los Blancos will progress with a point against Red Bull Salzburg on Friday, but they're going for all three points. "We have to improve and continue getting to know each other, because new players have arrived," midfielder Fede Valverde said ahead of the game. "We have to prepare in the best possible way because it's going to be a very important and demanding match. We have to try to get the three points to qualify in first place." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
