Archive July 26, 2025

Arsenal simply needs to sign a striker, according to the statement.

It’s probably a phrase manager Mikel Arteta is sick of hearing.

The Gunners’ five-year trophy drought, while overly simplistic, is undoubtedly due to their inability to land a frontman.

They do now, however, have one.

Viktor Gyokeres, who has 97 goals in 102 games for Sporting, will have a strong reputation when he makes his Emirates debut.

He will join Arteta as their most recent signing after signing goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard, and Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard, and Cristi Mosquera as center-back for Valencia.

That would bring Arsenal’s summer spending total to a record £210 million, the most money ever spent during Arteta’s tenure.

The arrival of Gyokeres will be the most exciting for Gunners fans as they attempt to win their first trophy since the FA Cup in 2020 and continue to improve on their three previous second-place finishes in the Premier League.

Anyone looking at the Premier League table might wonder why the need to sign a striker has received such a lot of attention.

They were the third-highest scorers of last year, and Liverpool once more proved to be the champions’ closest challengers this time.

However, that doesn’t fully convey the message.

Last season, Arsenal scored 22 goals fewer league goals than they did between 2023 and 2024.

Due to their poor possession, they fell well behind Liverpool and were unable to convert possession into goals as Paris St-Germain knocked them out of the Champions League in the semi-finals.

The difference between Arsenal winning the league and winning these ties is merely a center-forward, Micah Richards, the former defender for Manchester City, said last year.

Ollie Watkins, Alexander Isak, and Benjamin Sesko, a striker at RB Leipzig, are just three of the players the Gunners have looked into recent moves for.

Some Arsenal supporters argue that since Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang left the club in 2022, they have been clamoring for a new player. In the 2019-20 season, he was the league’s final 20-goal scorer, coming back for them.

Kai Havertz, the Gunners’ top scorer last season, finished with his nine goals for joint 26th place in the standings.

In addition to six, he added 15 in other competitions, which is still far below what one would expect from a striker competing for numerous trophies.

Gabriel Jesus and Havertz, both of whom can play other roles but have plenty of experience leading the line, were the only recognized strikers Arteta had hired before Gyokeres.

To put that in perspective, prior to Gyokeres’ four summer signings, Arteta recruited 35 players for either permanent or on-loan for five seasons. The sixth goalkeeper he has signed is Kepa.

Gyokeres has undoubtedly been a goal machine in Portugal, and his most obvious quality is his goalscoring.

His 39 goals, which included eight more than any other player, placed him at the top of the top 10 leagues in Europe last year.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Robert Lewandowski, and Luis Suarez are the only other players in the top ten leagues in the last 20 years to have scored at least 39 goals in a season.

Although Gyokeres scored only 12 penalties in the Premier League, he scored three more goals overall than anyone else in the non-penalty category. In the Premier League, Jesus averaged 3.0 and Havertz 2.66 shots per 90 minutes, while he had 4.5.

He also appeared to have adopted a “shoo on sight” policy with 139 attempts on goal, or roughly one every 20 minutes, and had a massive 327 touches in the opposition box.

His precision was even better.

The Swede’s shot-conversion rate of 27.3%, which included blocked shots and penalties, was superior to that of Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (21.1%), Manchester City’s Erling Haaland (21.6%), and Newcastle’s Isak (26.4%).

In the Premier League, Chris Wood was the only player with a better conversion rate than Chris Wood.

In the 2024-25 Nations League, Gyokeres finished the tournament as the top scorer with nine goals in six games for his nation, including four in one game against Azerbaijan.

In a stronger league, is it still possible for Gyokeres to be just as prolific? He is now 27 and only allowed to play one game in each of Europe’s top five divisions.

The Portuguese Premier League, which Gyokeres impressed before moving to Lisbon, is eighth in the world’s strongest leagues, behind the usual big five (England, Italy, Spain, Germany, and France), the Belgian Jupiler Pro League, and even the English Championship.

After scoring 26 goals for Benfica in 28 Primeira Liga games between 2021 and 2022, critics point to Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez’ struggle for consistency in England.

However, after moving from Portugal, Bruno Fernandes, Ruben Dias, and Evanilson of Bournemouth have all enjoyed success in the Premier League.

Gyokeres also contributes to the overall picture.

The 6’2″ striker is well-known for his thought-provoking movements and fast-paced work, and he has won admirable looks for his physical strength, technical skill, and tactical awareness.

He both creates chances and scores goals, much of it coming from his love of running with the ball.

After returning three goals in 19 Championship appearances while on loan with the Sky Blues, Gyokeres left Brighton for a small fee in July 2021.

After scoring 38 times in 91 Coventry league games between the years 2021-22 and 2022-23, he transferred to Sporting for £20.5 million two years later.

Emirates Old Trafford, day four of the fifth Rothesay Test.

India 358 (Sudharsan 61, Stokes 5-72) &amp, 174-2 (Rahul 87*, Gill 78*)

England 669 (Root 150, Stokes 141, Jadeja 4-134)

India is 137 runs behind.

After some stoic India resistance on the fourth day at Old Trafford, England must finish what they need to win the fourth Test.

KL Rahul and Shubman Gill’s rearguard partnership saw India come in with a score of 174-2, 137 behind.

Although the visitors were 0-2, Rahul and captain Gill slammed an England attack led by Ben Stokes, who had not bowled all day.

England’s top score in a home test was 669, which is their third-highest total in more than two years, thanks to Skipper Stokes’ earlier batting record of his first hundred in more than two years.

With 141, Stokes became the only England player to record a century and a five-wicket haul in the same Test, joining his 5-72 in the India first innings.

When Chris Woakes removed Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan in consecutive deliveries in the first over of the second innings, India were in danger of being steamrolled after posting a 311-run deficit.

Rahul and Gill combined for a nearly 164-overstand stand that surpassed a 2-over. Gill has 78, Rahul has 87.

England were without penetration when the ball lost its hardness and the pitch fell to sleep without the talismanic all-rounder Stokes’ energy.

Any doubts about Stokes’ fitness are always a source of concern because of his significance, history of injuries, and the outstanding summer he is having.

He was forced to retire after playing 24 overs for India in the first innings on Friday, complaining of cramping, before returning later that day.

Stokes’ absence from the attack on Saturday afternoon cannot have been tactical, despite England’s absence giving no indication of an injury concern. With the fifth Test at The Oval starting on Thursday, it could be that he was just taking precautions after his earlier exertions in this match.

When Stokes scored from the start of the day on a score of 77 to lead the rest of England, beating Anshul Kamboj’s direct hit from midway, he looked sharp in pinching a single.

Stokes’ final Test ton was a riotous protest against Jonny Bairstow’s stumping in the following Ashes Test.

A carefully timed, determined effort was made. Before tickling Jasprit Bumrah very fine for four, the left-hander spent six balls on 99. Stokes’ celebration, a customary salute to his late father Ged, was prolonged before a second look into the sky.

Stokes scored 164 deliveries for his 14th Test century. From the 33 deliveries he faced, he threw a total of three sixes to Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja, who both had six.

One of England’s greatest number 10s, Brydon Carse, participated in the mayhem. The demoralized Indians were flattered by their 95-point partnership, which came almost at a run-a-ball.

When he slammed into long-on, Stokes was chasing a second consecutive six off Jadeja. He paused to soak in the adoring ovation before leaving.

This was made to look like a horror movie made for India. They were outplayed for the first three days, spent more than 157 overs in the field, and then went out to bat in disarray. The clouds gathered to create ideal bowling conditions and the ball has started to keep coming in, especially from the James Anderson End.

Woakes has a difficult series, but the situation was specifically designed for his bowling style. With his fourth delivery, he found motion away from left-hander Joe Root, who had been juggling first-slip Joe Root well.

Sudharsan attempted to withdraw the bat from the next ball, but Harry Brook’s second-pitch deflected ball was the only one to miss. India was teetering, and Old Trafford was rocking.

The performances of opener Rahul and skipper Gill in the final two innings of the day are attributed to their quality, resolve, and focus.

Rahul passed 50 in his fourth Test, totaling four. As he played the silent partner, his defense was flawless. Only three fours made up his half-century, which included 141 balls.

Gill struggled in the tetchy third Test at Lord’s after being prolific throughout the first two. When his team needed it the most, his team defied.

He was then forced into handsome driving after surviving Woakes’ hat-trick ball and two massive lbw appeals from a begging Jofra Archer. When he was 45, he gave Carse a wide chance by pushing it in the air. A flying Liam Dawson was the one who gave it a rapid burst.

Time was squandered by India. England had a hard time identifying anything at first. Stokes used the field as a platform. Bowlers messed up their lengths and angles. Root bowled, Stokes did not, Dawson was neat without being threatened. Then Jamie Smith raised his hand. The Old Trafford Party Stand produced its own entertainment.

“This shows how significant Ben Stokes is to this England team,” the team’s “engaging style.” Jofra Archer and Liam Dawson will likely make more money if they can get one wicket and add a left-hander.

Emirates Old Trafford, day four of the fifth Rothesay Test.

India 358 (Sudharsan 61, Stokes 5-72) &amp, 174-2 (Rahul 87*, Gill 78*)

England 669 (Root 150, Stokes 141, Jadeja 4-134)

India is 137 runs behind.

After some stoic India resistance on the fourth day at Old Trafford, England must finish what they need to win the fourth Test.

KL Rahul and Shubman Gill’s rearguard partnership saw India come in with a score of 174-2, 137 behind.

Although the visitors were 0-2, Rahul and captain Gill slammed an England attack led by Ben Stokes, who had not bowled all day.

England’s top score in a home test was 669, which is their third-highest total in more than two years, thanks to Skipper Stokes’ earlier batting record of his first hundred in more than two years.

With 141, Stokes became the only England player to record a century and a five-wicket haul in the same Test, joining his 5-72 in the India first innings.

When Chris Woakes removed Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan in consecutive deliveries in the first over of the second innings, India were in danger of being steamrolled after posting a 311-run deficit.

Rahul and Gill combined for a nearly 164-overstand stand that surpassed a 2-over. Gill has 78, Rahul has 87.

England were without penetration when the ball lost its hardness and the pitch fell to sleep without the talismanic all-rounder Stokes’ energy.

Any doubts about Stokes’ fitness are always a source of concern because of his significance, history of injuries, and the outstanding summer he is having.

He was forced to retire after playing 24 overs for India in the first innings on Friday, complaining of cramping, before returning later that day.

Stokes’ absence from the attack on Saturday afternoon cannot have been tactical, despite England’s absence giving no indication of an injury concern. With the fifth Test at The Oval starting on Thursday, it could be that he was just taking precautions after his earlier exertions in this match.

When Stokes scored from the start of the day on a score of 77 to lead the rest of England, beating Anshul Kamboj’s direct hit from midway, he looked sharp in pinching a single.

Stokes’ final Test ton was a riotous protest against Jonny Bairstow’s stumping in the following Ashes Test.

A carefully timed, determined effort was made. Before tickling Jasprit Bumrah very fine for four, the left-hander spent six balls on 99. Stokes’ celebration, a customary salute to his late father Ged, was prolonged before a second look into the sky.

Stokes scored 164 deliveries for his 14th Test century. From the 33 deliveries he faced, he threw a total of three sixes to Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja, who both had six.

One of England’s greatest number 10s, Brydon Carse, participated in the mayhem. The demoralized Indians were flattered by their 95-point partnership, which came almost at a run-a-ball.

When he slammed into long-on, Stokes was chasing a second consecutive six off Jadeja. He paused to soak in the adoring ovation before leaving.

This was made to look like a horror movie made for India. They were outplayed for the first three days, spent more than 157 overs in the field, and then went out to bat in disarray. The clouds gathered to create ideal bowling conditions and the ball has started to keep coming in, especially from the James Anderson End.

Woakes has a difficult series, but the situation was specifically designed for his bowling style. With his fourth delivery, he found motion away from left-hander Joe Root, who had been juggling first-slip Joe Root well.

Sudharsan attempted to withdraw the bat from the next ball, but Harry Brook’s second-pitch deflected ball was the only one to miss. India was teetering, and Old Trafford was rocking.

The performances of opener Rahul and skipper Gill in the final two innings of the day are attributed to their quality, resolve, and focus.

Rahul passed 50 in his fourth Test, totaling four. As he played the silent partner, his defense was flawless. Only three fours made up his half-century, which included 141 balls.

Gill struggled in the tetchy third Test at Lord’s after being prolific throughout the first two. When his team needed it the most, his team defied.

He was then forced into handsome driving after surviving Woakes’ hat-trick ball and two massive lbw appeals from a begging Jofra Archer. When he was 45, he gave Carse a wide chance by pushing it in the air. A flying Liam Dawson was the one who gave it a rapid burst.

Time was squandered by India. England had a hard time identifying anything at first. Stokes used the field as a platform. Bowlers messed up their lengths and angles. Root bowled, Stokes did not, Dawson was neat without being threatened. Then Jamie Smith raised his hand. The Old Trafford Party Stand produced its own entertainment.

“This shows how significant Ben Stokes is to this England team,” the team’s “engaging style.” Jofra Archer and Liam Dawson will likely make more money if they can get one wicket and add a left-hander.

According to a source, Yoane Wissa has spoken with Brentford director of football Phil Giles about his threats to never play for them again if he is denied permission to relocate to Newcastle.

The Magpies, who have already turned down one offer for the 28-year-old, are of particular interest in Bees forward Wissa.

Wissa returned from the club’s pre-season training camp in Portugal earlier this week to meet with Giles about moving to St James’ Park.

According to sources, Wissa has been irritated by his transfer to the north-east, which Brentford are yet to sanction.

According to those close to the situation, Wissa claims Brentford violated an offer that would allow him to leave the club if it were accepted.

According to BBC Sport, Wissa has threatened to leave the club if his move to Newcastle is not approved.

A deal has still not been reached, though it is believed Giles has had further discussions with Newcastle’s acting sporting director Andy Howe over the past 24 hours.

After his Sporting side lost 5-1 to Arsenal last season, Viktor Gyokeres claims he made the decision to leave.

The 27-year-old Sweden international has signed for a five-year contract worth up to 73 million euros (£64 million).

Due to ongoing negotiations between the clubs over additional payments, the final agreement requiring a 63 million euro initial fee plus 10 million euros in add-ons was postponed.

Gyokeres played for Mikel Arteta’s team in the amateur team’s demolished side in November’s elite competition.

Gyokeres remarked, “I just thought it was the right club for me.” What I’ve seen in the past years, how they’ve been playing football, and what I heard from Mikel and]sporting director] Andrea Berta.

“When I played against Arsenal last year, I really felt like it was a very strong and challenging team.

“The history of the club, the large fan base, and that made me choose Arsenal,” I said.

“Viktor has a lot of qualities. He has incredible goalscoring numbers at the club and international levels, according to Gunners boss Arteta.

He is a constant threat thanks to his intelligent movement in the box and high conversion rates for chances into goals.

We’re looking forward to starting working with Viktor because we’re excited about what he brings to our squad.

After reaching an impasse in their bid to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig, Arteta’s side turned their attention to Gyokeres, according to BBC Sport’s report at the beginning of the month.

Andrea Berta, the Portuguese club’s sporting director, traveled to Lisbon to take the lead in the negotiations.

After being linked with Manchester United earlier this summer, Gyokeres’ long-running saga comes to an end with the deal.

In his two years in Portugal, the former Brighton and Coventry striker helped Sporting win two league titles and contributed 26 assists.

Gyokeres makes his comeback to England after a season where he scored 54 goals in 52 games, including the final of the Portuguese Cup with a 3-1 win over Benfica.

In the Champions League last year, the Swede also scored six goals, including a hat-trick against Manchester City.

Gyokeres made his professional debut for IF Brommapojkarna in 2015 in his native Sweden.

He had already signed a two-year deal with the Seagulls and was already in touch with Brighton’s newly promoted Premier League team by September 2017. He signed a two-year deal with the Seagulls and became a member there in January.

He made his Sweden debut in January 2019 despite being defeated by Finland while still playing for Brighton’s youth team. Three days later, he scored with Iceland to draw 2-2. His first international goal came in.

He was loaned to German second-tier St Pauli for the 2019-20 season, but he still struggled for opportunities with Brighton.

He started to succeed at the Hamburg club, scoring seven goals in 26 appearances.

Gyokeres found the net in a 4–0 League Cup victory over Portsmouth a month later than Gyokeres’ only goal for Brighton, which came on the same day.

However, Swansea City’s championship side loaned him weeks later.

Before being called back by Brighton and loaned to Coventry City in January 2021, he played 12 games and managed one goal for the Swans during their three-month spell in Wales.

At the age of 23, Gyokeres made his move permanent by scoring three goals in the second half of the season, including his first league goal in English football.

With a total of 116 appearances, he would become one of the Championship’s most prolific strikers in the following two seasons.

As Coventry advanced to the play-off final but was overtaken by Luton Town on penalties, he was named in the championship team of the year in 2022-23.