Latest news with #ViktorGyokeres
Forbes
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Forbes
Will Viktor Gyokeres Really Turn Arsenal Into Title Winners?
Sporting Lisbon's Swedish forward #09 Viktor Gyokeres reacts after converting a penalty to score ... More their second goal during the Portuguese League football match between Sporting CP and FC Famalicao at Jose Alvalade stadium in Lisbon on March 15, 2025. (Photo by Patricia DE MELO MOREIRA / AFP) (Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP via Getty Images) Arsenal is expected to finally add a new centre forward to its squad. This is the position most supporters have wanted filled for seasons. Many believe it's the only player the Gunners are lacking with some arguing Mikel Arteta's team will be favourites to win the Premier League title now that it boasts an orthodox attacking frontman. Viktor Gyokeres will be that frontman with the Swedish striker expected to complete a switch to North London from Sporting CP any day now. Arsenal has agreed to pay €73.5m for the 27-year-old who scored an incredible 54 goals in 52 games last season, leading many to believe he will give his new team a similar sort of cutting edge. LISBON, PORTUGAL - NOVEMBER 05: Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP scores his team's third goal from the ... More penalty spot during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Sporting Clube de Portugal and Manchester City at Estadio Jose Alvalade on November 05, 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by) Dig a little deeper into Gyokeres' impressive numbers, though, and there might be some cause for concern from an Arsenal point of view. While Gyokeres was a goal machine for Sporting CP last season, just four of his goals came against teams in the top half of Liga Portugal. The rest were against opponents in the bottom half. 12 of Gyokeres' goals also came from the penalty spot. The Swede proved his worth in the Champions League, scoring six times in just eight games in the competition last season. Nonetheless, there reasons for Arsenal to doubt that Gyokeres will be able to carry over his goalscoring prowess into a stronger league like the Premier League. Of course, Gyokeres doesn't need to hit 54 goals in a single season to be successful for Arsenal. The Gunners simply need a different option in the final third to round out their squad. It's not even certain that Gyokeres will start ahead of Kai Havertz, the adaptable German forward widely seen as one of Arteta's favourites. SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE - JULY 23: Martin Zubimendi of Arsenal passes the ball during the Pre-Season ... More Friendly match between Arsenal FC and AC Milan at National Stadium on July 23, 2025 in Singapore. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images) Gyokeres isn't the only signing Arsenal has made this summer. Martin Zubimendi arrived from Real Sociedad to give the Gunners more quality in central midfield. Christian Norgaard joined from Brentford to provide depth following the exit of Thomas Partey at the end of last season. Noni Madueke is another new addition, given Arsenal another option on the wings. No new signing made by Arsenal this summer, however, will be scrutinised like Gyokeres'. The Swedish striker has arrived in North London under pressure to be the final piece of Arteta's puzzle. In many ways, the success or failure of Gyokeres' first season in English soccer will define Arsenal's 2025/26 campaign as a whole. The Swede must deliver.
The Sun
6 hours ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Arsenal vs AC Milan LIVE SCORE: Saka's strike seals Gunners win in 90 mins but pre-season match goes to penalties
ARSENAL have beaten Italian giants AC Milan in their opening pre-season match. It was a lacklustre first half from both teams, who were trying to shake off the holiday cobwebs. But a moment of magic from Kiwior put it on a plate for Bukayo Saka, who fired it past the Milan keeper. Follow ALL the action from Arsenal's pre-season match with our live blog below... Today, 11:54 By Nyle Smith Silva is better than Gold Invincible and Arsenal icon Gilberto Silva has been interacting with the fans ahead of this huge match. Today, 11:44 By Nyle Smith Viktor-y He may not be part of the squad just yet, but Arsenal fans would have been delighted with Fabrizio Romano's breaking news on top target Viktor Gyokeres. The transfer guru took to X to share the huge update. Today, 11:42 By Nyle Smith Arsenal subs Arrizabalaga, Setford, Rojas-Fedorushchenko, Lewis-Skelly, Salmon, Nichols, Kiwior, Copley, Merino, Lokonga, Zubimendi, Kabia, Nelson, Trossard, Odegaard, Harriman-Annous. Today, 11:34 By Nyle Smith Arsenal starting team The Gunners' starting eleven for their first pre-season game has been revealed and one of the summer signings are making their debut. Raya; White, Saliba, Calafiori, Zinchenko; Norgaard, Rice, Nwaneri; Saka, Martinelli, Havertz Today, 11:34 By Nyle Smith Arsenal's starting XI hint The Singapore National Stadium announcer may have just dropped the biggest hint of who will be in Arsenal's starting eleven today. You could hear several names being called out, almost like a practice run. And the stars mentioned were, David Raya, William Saliba, Gabriel, Ben White, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli. Seems as if Mikel Arteta will be going very strong. Today, 11:33 By Nyle Smith Fanatics The fans are flooding the streets! Today, 11:24 By Down pore It wasn't always smiles though as the Gunners were forced to reschedule the first training session of their pre-season tour of Singapore due to THUNDERSTORMS. The Gunners landed in Singapore on Sunday afternoon ahead of clashes against AC Milan and Newcastle this week before flying out to Hong Kong to take on Tottenham. Boss Arteta had hoped to get straight to work on Monday morning before holding a press conference to preview the Milan game. But a huge downpour – which included thunder and lightning – scuppered those plans, with training instead moved to the afternoon ahead of the club's launch of their away kit later today. Today, 11:14 By Nyle Smith Singapore smiles It's all smiles in Singapore as the Gunners prepare for their first pre-season match against AC Milan. By Nyle Smith On the mend Martin Zubimendi has already reached new heights at Arsenal without kicking a ball. The Gunners' £51million signing is all smiles overlooking an incredible skyline on the tallest rooftop bar in Singapore. And it is fitting that he is sat next to his old Real Sociedad and Spain pal Mikel Merino, given the pair were involved in an audaciously orchestrated double-whammy transfer by Arsenal and boss Mikel Arteta stretching back 12 months. Today, 11:03 By Nyle Smith Arsenal's pre-season schedule Arsenal kickstart their pre-season with a tour around Asia, where they will take on a European giant, followed by some familiar faces. And fans can expect to see a lot more games that have not been announced just yet. Wednesday, July 23: Arsenal vs AC Milan - Singapore National Stadium, Singapore (12:30pm BST) Sunday, July 27: Arsenal vs Newcastle - Singapore National Stadium, Singapore (12:30pm BST) Thursday, July 31: Arsenal vs Tottenham - Kai Tak Stadium, Hong Kong (12:30pm BST) Wednesday, August 6: Arsenal vs Villarreal - Emirates Stadium, London (5pm BST) Saturday, August 9: Arsenal vs Athletic Club - Emirates Stadium, London (5pm BST) Today, 11:03 By Nyle Smith Gunner start fresh Welcome to SunSport's official coverage of Arsenal's thrilling pre-season clash against AC Milan - and something tells me it won't be so friendly. The Gunners have only lifted one major trophy since Mikel Arteta took charge in December 2019, with it being an FA Cup victory in 2020. And it has been several years filled with heartbreak as Arteta's men have finished second for three consecutive seasons in the Premier League. However, fans will be hoping that the appointment of new sporting director Andrea Berta is a catalyst for change off the pitch, as the Italian is known for his shrewd recruitment in the transfer market. The Italian has already made a major impact by recruiting Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke, Christhian Mosquera, and closing in on Viktor Gyokeres. But ultimately, it's about what the Gunners do on the pitch, and their pre-season tour gets underway today!
Scottish Sun
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
‘Is it behind closed doors?' – Fans baffled as Arsenal face AC Milan in half empty stadium
Arsenal did showcase one of their new kits GUNNER SKIP IT 'Is it behind closed doors?' – Fans baffled as Arsenal face AC Milan in half empty stadium Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FANS have been left baffled as Arsenal play AC Milan in a near-empty stadium in pre-season. The Gunners are currently travelling through Asia as part of the tour ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 There were loads of empty seats for Arsenal's match against AC Milan 4 The two teams were playing at the National Stadium in Singapore Credit: Getty Arsenal will face Newcastle and Tottenham during the trip, but their first match was against Italian giants AC Milan. Mikel Arteta's side faced with the Rossoneri at the Singapore National Stadium in Kallang, Singapore. Many were expecting the match to be played in front of a sell-out crowd, but the reality was much different. The stadium appeared to be half empty as the match took place with loads of empty seats visable around the pitch. READ MORE ARSENAL NEWS GUNNER RETURN Ex-Arsenal starlet jailed over £600k cannabis plot signs for new club Fans took to social media completely baffled, with some suggesting that the game was being played behind closed doors. One posted: "Is it a behind-closed-doors game? Why is nobody in the stands?" A second wrote: "Arsenal Vs Milan is practically empty." A third joked: "I knew Arsenal weren't a big club, but I didn't realise they were this small? Look how empty the stadium is." JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS A fourth said: "Arsenal have no motion, stadium is half empty." A fifth asked: "Why did Arsenal travel all the way to Singapore just to play in an empty stadium?" Mikel Arteta says his Arsenal squad are eager to win the Premier League title after coming so close last season Another added: "Have you seen how many empty seats there are against Milan here in Singapore." Arsenal did showcase their new dark blue away kit in the match. The unveiling of the shirt left club supporters convinced that Viktor Gyokeres was signing due to Riccardo Calafiori's gesture. Arteta also gave a first start to new signing Christian Norgaard, who lined up alongside the likes of Declan Rice and Ethan Nwaneri from the off. 4 Arsenal's players picked up their first minutes of pre-season action Credit: Getty 4 One Arsenal fan that turned up did the Viktor Gyokeres celebration Credit: Getty Other new signings Kepa Arrizabalaga and Martin Zubimendi started on the bench. While Noni Madueke was not available due to him having time off, as he played for Chelsea in the Club World Cup. Arsenal's pre-season tour Here are Arsenal's next matches in their pre-season tour... Sunday, July 27: Arsenal vs Newcastle - Singapore National Stadium, Singapore (12:30pm BST) Arsenal vs Newcastle - Singapore National Stadium, Singapore (12:30pm BST) Thursday, July 31: Arsenal vs Tottenham - Kai Tak Stadium, Hong Kong (12:30pm BST) Arsenal vs Tottenham - Kai Tak Stadium, Hong Kong (12:30pm BST) Wednesday, August 6: Arsenal vs Villarreal - Emirates Stadium, London (5pm BST) Arsenal vs Villarreal - Emirates Stadium, London (5pm BST) Saturday, August 9: Arsenal vs Athletic Club - Emirates Stadium, London (5pm BST) Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates
Daily Mirror
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Viktor Gyokeres transfer 'lie' shut down by Jose Mourinho as he gives Arsenal verdict
Arsenal are close to completing a blockbuster deal for Sweden and Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, with former Premier League manager Jose Mourinho offering his verdict on the transfer Jose Mourinho has lavished praise on Viktor Gyokeres ahead of his imminent switch to Arsenal. The Gunners are on the verge of landing the superstar Swede as they near a £63.5million agreement with Sporting CP. It's understood that £55m of that fee will be paid up front, with a further £8.5m agreed in add-ons. While Arsenal chiefs worked to seal the move, Sporting reportedly continued to receive enquiries from other interested parties. Manchester United were among the clubs showing interest, as were sides in the Saudi Pro League. However, Gyokeres had one clear preference: to sign for Arsenal. Once everything is finalised, Gyokeres will complete a medical assessment before linking up with the first team squad, who are currently in Singapore on the first leg of their pre-season tour of Asia. The 27-year-old, who scored 97 goals in 102 games for Sporting, is one of the most sought-after forwards in the world, and it looks like Arsenal have won the race of this signature. In an interview with Portuguese outlet A Bola this week, Mourinho was asked for his opinion on Gyokeres' impending move to the Emirates Stadium. The former Chelsea and Tottenham manager set aside club rivalries to commend the Arsenal-bound goalscorer, calling him "a great player". However, he also suggested that Gyokeres might find things a little tougher in the Premier League than in Portugal's Primeira Liga, particularly since Arsenal won't necessarily be building their team around him like Sporting did. "Sporting had a way of playing that was very much based on him or adapted to him," Mourinho added. "I don't know what [former Sporting boss] Ruben Amorim's initial thinking was. But he's a player with great potential, and it's clear that in England he'll play against stronger teams and better players." The Special One, now managing Turkish giants Fenerbahce, took the opportunity to playfully dismiss rumours linking his team with Gyokeres, confirming that no such signing was ever on the cards. "Unfortunately, of the 3,400 lies that have already been told about the market, it's a lie that he's going to Fenerbahce, unfortunately," he said. "So many lies, so much interest, so many people working for businessmen, for clubs, it's a war that's not mine." After five trophyless years and a third consecutive second-place finish in the Premier League, Arsenal are making a significant push in the transfer market to finally turn their fortunes around. Once Gyokeres completes his move, the club's summer spending will surge past the £180million mark – and is expected to approach £200m once the signing of defender Cristhian Mosquera, who has flown to Asia to join the squad, is officially confirmed. Arsenal have already strengthened both in quality and depth. Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard have been brought in to bolster the midfield, while Noni Madueke adds another option on the wings. Kepa Arrizabalaga has also arrived to provide backup for first-choice goalkeeper David Raya. Norgaard made his Arsenal debut in the club's pre-season opener against AC Milan on Wednesday, lining up in midfield alongside Declan Rice and Ethan Nwaneri. Zubimendi and Arrizabalaga were named among the substitutes. Madueke, meanwhile, did not travel to Asia, having been granted rest following his involvement with Chelsea at the Club World Cup. He is expected to join the squad when they return to the UK next month. Following their clash with Milan, Arsenal will take on Newcastle on July 27 and Tottenham on July 31 before returning to London. They will then host Villarreal at the Emirates on August 6, and conclude their pre-season preparations with a match against Athletic Club at the same venue three days later.
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Gyokeres next? Players who returned to the Premier League with a point to prove
Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon, with the Gunners set to land one of Europe's most coveted forwards. Gyokeres has exploded in output since joining Sporting, where he has netted 97 goals in 102 games over the last two seasons. His prolific form has been a far cry from his time at Brighton, where the Swedish striker failed to make a Premier League appearance. After maturing during spells in the Football League and Portugal, he's set to return to England with a point to prove. He's not the first big name to have done so. Players who returned to the Premier League with a point to prove Kevin De Bruyne Kevin De Bruyne departed the Premier League this summer, recognised as one of the league's all-time greats. But the Belgian's time in England had a rocky start. After joining Chelsea as a teenager, De Bruyne struggled to get a look in. He made just three league starts for Chelsea before being sold to Vfl Wolfsburg for £18m in 2014. 18 months later and established as one of the Bundesliga's best, Manchester City spent £55m to sign De Bruyne in a club-record deal. The gamble paid dividends, as De Bruyne starred during their most successful era. He won six league titles, the Champions League, five League Cups and two FA Cups, alongside twice being named PFA Player of the Year. De Bruyne holds the joint-record for the most assists in a Premier League season (20), and sits second for all-time goals created in the division. Point proven. Paul Pogba Paul Pogba chose to leave Manchester United in 2012 after becoming frustrated by his lack of opportunity at Old Trafford. The Frenchman joined Juventus on a free transfer and soon cemented a reputation as one of Europe's most promising talents. Four consecutive Serie A titles followed, with Pogba earning the 2013 Golden Boy award. Manchester United decided to correct their error in 2016, breaking the world transfer record to sign Pogba for £89m. He won a Europa League and League Cup double during his debut season but failed to justify the club's investment. Five trophyless seasons followed, during which Pogba proved a divisive figure despite his immense talent. After six seasons, he rejoined Juventus, again on a free transfer. Mohamed Salah Another error that Chelsea have cursed. Mohamed Salah's time in West London yielded just two goals and 13 league appearances, as competition from Eden Hazard and Willian limited his involvement. Salah signed for Roma after a successful loan with the club and scored 19 goals during the 2016/17 season. Suitably impressed, Liverpool spent £36.5m to sign the Egyptian international. Doubts over his ability to succeed in England were removed instantly, as Salah scored 44 goals during his debut season – setting a then-Premier League record – to win the PFA Player of the Year award. The goals have hardly stopped since. Salah has won a joint-record four Golden Boots and is now the highest-scoring overseas player in Premier League history. His impact has led Liverpool through a memorable period that has included two league titles and the Champions League among his honours. Romelu Lukaku When Romelu Lukaku left the Premier League for Inter Milan, he did so with 113 goals scored in England's top flight. Not much to prove, you might think, but his return to Chelsea was certainly filled with personal motivation. Lukaku had failed to break in at Chelsea as a teenager, restricted to just 15 goalless appearances before finding his feet elsewhere. He returned to Stamford Bridge in a £98.5m deal, having scored 64 times over two seasons at Inter Milan and appeared the ideal fit to spearhead Thomas Tuchel's Champions League winners. However, a disappointing season saw Lukaku muster just eight league goals and alienate himself with the club's fans. A controversial interview in which he criticised Tuchel's tactics and yearned for a return to Inter Milan was not well received. At the end of the season, he rejoined Inter on a season-long loan deal. Mikel Merino It's easy to forget that Mikel Merino has previous Premier League experience before joining Arsenal. The Spaniard spent the 2017/18 season with Newcastle United but returned to Spain after just 12 months on Tyneside. At Real Sociedad, he developed into one of Spain's most consistent performers, earning inclusion in the La Liga Team of the Season in 2022/23. After helping Spain to success at Euro 2024, including a vital quarter-final winner against Germany, he joined Arsenal in a £32m deal. A solid first season saw the 29-year-old score nine times and deputise as an auxiliary forward during the club's absence of a striker. Read – See more – Follow The Football Faithful on Social Media: | | | |
