Gyokeres ‘will be in really good place’ when season starts

Despite being a pre-season friendly against Villarreal, there was still a sense of excitement and anticipation as Arsenal supporters watched Viktor Gyokeres, who had just been signed for £64million, in action.

Fans are frantically hoping that the 27-year-old striker will be the catalyst for the Gunners’ first-ever trophy-winning season since 2020.

Gyokeres received the loudest cheers before kick-off when his name was read out in the starting lineup; only his introduction to talented 15-year-old Max Dowman made the same noise.

Every time the ball struck the Sweden international, there was anticipation, and Gyokeres’ teammates were trying to ensure his first start, and at his new home ground, appeared to be doing it.

With Christian Norgaard and Martin Odegaard both scoring in each half, Arsenal fell to the La Liga team, which did not happen.

However, there were encouraging signs, and Gyokeres’ hour of physical activity will determine his fitness before the new Premier League campaign begins at Manchester United on August 17.

Manager Mikel Arteta predicted the forward will “100%” be ready for the Old Trafford test after missing out on two training sessions with the team since leaving Sporting and another one against Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.

He will be 100% or more, according to the statement, “I think mentally and fully aware of what he needs to do.” added Spain.

I have no doubts that he will be in a really good place because he is so eager and confident that he can deliver right away.

We already violated that statement today because I believe it was crucial for him to begin a game and establish a strong emotional connection with the team.

“He’s only been with us for about a week,” he said, but I already saw a lot of things and a lot of purpose, particularly the way he attacked in particular areas.

As they play to Gyokeres’ strengths, Arsenal seem to be trying to get the ball into the box much more quickly.

Before waving a leg at an awkward delivery and being denied by a strong save when played into the area in the second period, he was close to scoring a first-half cross.

When questioned about how long the former Coventry City forward would settle into his new life, Arteta expressed optimism.

He smiled and said, “I hope days.” I believe he is experiencing a very positive feeling throughout the training.

He is establishing relationships with players who will enable him to fill the void that he needs to fill, which is really important.