Viktor Gyokeres made his much-awaited Premier League debut at Old Trafford on Sunday but the new Arsenal striker came in for criticism after struggling against the Red Devils
Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka has defender Viktor Gyokeres after his quiet Arsenal debut
(Image: Getty Images)
Viktor Gyokeres provided something to “build on” despite drawing a blank on his full Arsenal debut. Arsenal star Bukayo Saka insists that £64m striker Gyokores has got all the hallmarks of a top quality centre forward and is already settling into his new surroundings.
Gyokores, 27, did not get a single shot on target and was substituted after making his first Arsenal start in the Premier League at Manchester United.
It left many fans wondering about his match sharpness and fitness and the Sweden international has only managed two weeks of full training after his protracted switch from Sporting Lisbon.
Gyokores represents a big gamble for the Gunners as he was prolific at Sporting but has yet to prove himself in a top league and he is now in the spotlight at Arsenal.
But Saka is convinced about his new team mate’s qualities and says Gyokores will be ready for the physical challenges of the Premier League. England winger Saka said: “I was impressed with him and he battled for us. It was tough. There was a big battle up there. I thought he did well.
“His performance gives us something to build on and I am sure it will help him next week. He has slotted in well and so have the other guys.”
Arsenal went on a big summer spending spree as they splashed out huge money on Gyokores, bought Martin Zubimendi for £51m and Noni Madueke for £52m.
They also brought in Cristhian Mosquera, Christian Norgaard - who missed the United trip with a small knock - and reserve keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga to strengthen their squad and suddenly their bench looks very strong.
But it now remains to be seen whether they have enough X factor in their ranks to push Liverpool and Manchester City in the title race.
Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres had a tricky Arsenal debut at Old Trafford
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The victory at Old Trafford was something of a statement and winning at United - without playing anywhere near their best - is a reason to be optimistic.
Saka was searingly honest about Arsenal’s failings and knows they will have to improve against Leeds on Saturday and their next away trip is to Liverpool.
Saka added: “It was not a great performance. We are happy with the three points, to come away from Old Trafford with a win. We were not up to our usual standards, the basics, sloppy giveaways. Our decision making was not great and that cost us and gave United a lot of momentum. We did not get punished for it but we cannot do it every game.”
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Arsenal new signing Noni Madueke with (L) manager Mikel Arteta and (R) Sporting director Andrea Berta at Sobha Realty Training Centre
Arsenal have sealed the £52million signing of Noni Madueke from Chelsea
Arsenal have completed the signing of Noni Madueke from Chelsea. has signed a five-year deal to join until 2030, after a £52million deal was agreed.
The Gunners will pay £48m guaranteed, with a further £4m in performance-related add-ons.
Madueke's move makes him the sixth player to leave the Blues for the Gunners during Mikel Arteta's reign. He with Willian, Jorginho, and - the latter on loan - having made the same move during the Spaniard's tenure, at a combined cost of £134m. Madueke will take the No.20 shirt at the Emirates.
Sporting Director Andrea Berta said: "We’re very pleased to have concluded an excellent deal for a hugely talented young player in Noni Madueke. Noni’s performance numbers and availability over recent seasons have been exceptional, reflecting his quality and professionalism. Noni is a dynamic, versatile wide forward player with strong technical ability who will significantly strengthen our squad.
“Noni already has valuable experience at the top level and we know he will make a big impact at Arsenal. Together with everyone at the club, we warmly welcome Noni to Arsenal."
Madueke is Arsenal's fourth summer signing, following Kepa, Spain international Martin Zubimendi and Brentford captain Christian Norgaard. Valencia defender Christhian Mosquera and Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres are expected to follow.
Arteta said: "We're all so happy to welcome Noni Madueke to the team. Noni is an exciting and powerful young player, with his performances and numbers in recent seasons being of consistently high quality. He is one of the most talented wide forward players in the .
[
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“At just 23, Noni already brings experience of club and international football, and he knows the Premier League very well. Having seen the quality of Noni’s performances up close in recent seasons, we’re really excited he is joining us.
“Noni joins our group with familiar England teammates and other players he knows. He will be made to feel at home straight away. His arrival will really improve our squad - we’re all thrilled to have him here. From all of us, welcome Noni and welcome to your family.”
The signing of Madueke has certainly divided the Gunners fanbase, to the extent that outside the Emirates Stadium, while a 'No to Madueke' petition was set up online. That petition has gained over 5000 signatures.
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 20: Noni Madueke of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC at Stamford Bridge on January 20, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Madueke has swapped Chelsea for Arsenal after two-and-a-half years at Stamford Bridge
In a farewell post to Chelsea and its fans on social media, Madueke said: "Dear Chelsea Club, I want to thank you for the Last 3 or so years. To every staff member that helped me along this journey, thank you. To my teammates thank you for everything, I leave with only love and admiration for you guys.
"We achieved so much this season and I honestly wish you guys nothing but the best. To Enzo Maresca, it was a privilege to play under you, thank you for trying to better me as a player and as a person.
"Lastly thank you to every single Chelsea fan. Thank you for the love, the praise and also the criticism, I appreciate it all. I leave here with nothing but fond memories."
In a statement, Chelsea said: "We would like to thank Noni for his efforts throughout his time at Chelsea and wish him well as he begins a new chapter in his career."
Madueke recently broke into the senior England set up
Former star Paul Merson has admitted the deal has left him "shocked".
“I am flabbergasted by Arsenal signing Noni Madueke. I’m shocked," “If Arsenal went and bought any player from , he’d have been the last one I thought they’d sign. It’s a lot of money for a player who is not a prolific goalscorer.
“He’s the sort of player that has a good game here and a good game there, but that’ll be it. The consistency of performance isn’t there.
“For me, at Chelsea, I’d have always played Jadon Sancho ahead of him [Madueke]. Chelsea just won’t believe that this deal has come to them. They won’t believe their luck.”
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