Arsenal
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Former Arsenal captain William Gallas has issued a word of caution to Viktor Gyokeres as the Swedish striker prepares to complete his £63.5 million move to the Emirates from Sporting CP.
After a long-running transfer saga, Gyokeres is finally set to join Mikel Arteta’s squad, having emerged as the club’s top target for the No. 9 role. The 27-year-old has already agreed terms on a five-year contract with the Gunners and is expected to be officially unveiled in the coming days.
Gyokeres arrives in north London with a formidable record, having scored 97 goals in 102 appearances for Portuguese champions Sporting over the last two seasons. His prolific form made him one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe, especially after Arsenal’s bid to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig hit a dead end.
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Despite his impressive numbers, Gallas believes the transition from the Primeira Liga to the Premier League will be a major challenge for the Sweden international.
Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres (Image credit: Getty Images)
“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’ll be playing against defenders who are really strong, maybe the strongest. In Portugal, he had a physical advantage over many defenders, but that won’t be the case in England. He’ll need to adapt quickly. There’s a good chance his second year could be more successful than his first.”
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Gallas also stressed the urgency at Arsenal to win silverware, stating that signing a top striker is seen as the final piece of the puzzle.
“Arsenal can’t afford to wait much longer for a major trophy. We’ve all been waiting for them to sign a killer in front of goal. I hope Gyokeres hits the ground running, but only time will tell if he becomes an assassin in the Premier League.”
Should the move be completed, Gyokeres will become Arsenal’s fourth major signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, and Kepa Arrizabalaga. The Gunners are also closing in on a £55 million deal for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke, as Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta continue to strengthen the squad ahead of the new campaign.
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