Arsenal's star defender Gabriel Magalhaes has performed Viktor Gyokeres' iconic celebration despite controversy surrounding the decision in midweek.
The Gunners' defender opened the scoring for Arsenal against West Ham United on Saturday evening with a brilliant header from a trademark set piece routine. After wheeling away to celebrate, Gabriel would then perform the Gyokeres celebration which sees him cover his face with both hands.
The Brazilian chose to pull this celebration out on Tuesday night when he scored to put Arsenal 3-0 up in midweek. Micah Richards would call out Gabriel after that match claiming he was mocking Gyokeres with his choice of celebration.
This decision was deemed even more controversial considering Gyokeres is a player currently linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium. It is no secret that Mikel Arteta wants to add a centre-forward to his squad and the Swede matched the profile of striker they wanted in the summer.
After discovering what Gabriel had done post-match, Gyokeres was less than pleased with the gesture. "He's welcome to steal it if he can't create his own celebration," the striker told ViaPlay.
Gabriel Magalhaes celebrates scoring for Arsenal vs West Ham
Gabriel Magalhaes celebrates scoring for Arsenal vs West Ham on Saturday
"I didn't know he did that, but it's fun he likes my celebration." It is unclear whether Gabriel is performing the celebration as a tribute to Gyokeres or, as Richards believes, to mock him but should Arsenal want to sign the striker they will need to battle off some strong competition.
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Manchester United are thought to be keen to sign Gyokeres next summer should he be available. They are deemed to be favourites considering the striker has a strong relationship with their new boss Ruben Amorim.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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