Arsenal
Viktor Gyökeres: From Reluctant Beginner to Relentless Goal Scorer
Viktor Gyökeres transforms relentless desire into an impressive scoring record across Europe.
Viktor Gyökeres’s rise in professional football is defined by an unwavering competitive spirit and a relentless goal-scoring instinct. His journey began hesitantly at age five when his parents enrolled him in organised football at IFK Aspudden-Tellus. Despite initial reluctance, a deep passion for the sport grew, fuelled by his father’s role as coach.
Gyökeres displayed versatility in his youth, playing various positions and often insisting on participating on multiple teams within his club. This adaptability and leadership developed from years spent in less effective teams where he had to take personal responsibility on the pitch.
Though regarded as a talented player at Brommapojkarna’s academy, he was not seen as a standout star. His early professional years included loan spells in Germany and England’s lower divisions, where playing time was limited and competition stiff.
A turning point came in 2021 when Gyökeres signed permanently with Coventry City, gaining stability that allowed him to focus fully on his game. He credits dropping overthinking in favour of instinctive, direct football for enhancing his performance. “This obsession with goals, which I’ve always had, is once again the essence of my game. I don’t think about anything other than scoring and winning; it changes everything.”
His scoring feats continued at Sporting CP where he netted 97 goals in 102 appearances, often celebrating with his signature mask pose. Despite interest from English clubs Fulham and West Ham, Sporting secured his services in 2023.
Reflecting on his time at Brighton & Hove Albion, where opportunities were sparse, Gyökeres accepts that he wasn’t ready to break through and acknowledges the importance of a supportive environment for success. Brighton CEO Paul Barber expressed no regrets over his sale, noting Gyökeres’s development trajectory and praising his subsequent achievements.
Known as “totally ruthless” by a youth coach, Viktor Gyökeres embodies a vigorous, goal-focused football philosophy. At Arsenal, his large transfer fee reflects expectations that he will continue to convert his fierce competitive drive into Premier League success.
Arsenal
Arsenal Manager Confident on Viktor Gyokeres’ Upcoming Debut
Mikel Arteta confirms Viktor Gyokeres will debut for Arsenal once fully fit after complex transfer saga.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has indicated that Viktor Gyokeres will be allowed to make his debut for the club as soon as he is fully fit. The 27-year-old forward joined Arsenal in a deal reportedly worth up to £63.8 million after protracted negotiations with Sporting CP. These talks were complicated by Sporting’s president allegedly reneging on a gentleman’s agreement to accept a reduced fee, which created tension in Gyokeres’ final weeks in Lisbon.
Amid this dispute, Gyokeres refused to participate in first-team training, impacting his financial and physical condition. Arteta commented on the situation: “I think he hasn’t had a single training session with the team since the last game with Sporting when they became champions. So we will assess him tomorrow, he’s done all the medicals, everything is looking good but to get him up to speed with the right levels of fitness I think is very important. So we’re not going to stop him, we want him with us as quick as possible but we’ll have to assess and the medical team will do that.”
Following Arsenal’s 3–2 victory against Newcastle United in Singapore, the team will face Tottenham Hotspur in the first-ever north London derby to be held outside England, scheduled in Hong Kong. Arsenal’s pre-season will conclude with two friendlies at the Emirates Stadium against Villarreal and Athletic Club before the Premier League campaign begins with a visit to Manchester United’s Old Trafford.
Gyokeres previously excelled at Sporting under manager Ruben Amorim, the current Manchester United boss. Although Manchester United reportedly showed late interest in signing the striker, Gyokeres ultimately chose Arsenal.
Arsenal
William Saliba Confirms Commitment Amid Real Madrid Interest
William Saliba signals commitment to Arsenal amid Real Madrid links with a confident two-word reply.
William Saliba has provided a brief but clear response regarding his future at Arsenal amidst ongoing speculation linking him to Real Madrid. Saliba’s current contract runs until June 2027, and while Arsenal have firmly stated that they will reject any offers for the centre back, rumours persist due to Real Madrid’s known strategy of pursuing players nearing contract expiry.
This tactic has previously facilitated departures such as that of Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool and could potentially influence players like Ibrahima Konaté. However, Saliba addressed the speculation directly after Arsenal’s 3–2 friendly win over Newcastle United at the Singapore National Stadium. When asked about contract renewal, Saliba simply crossed his fingers and looked to the sky, signalling his positive stance.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Arsenal will soon “accelerate” their contract negotiations with Saliba, preparing a significant proposal aimed at demonstrating the club’s ambition. Currently, Saliba earns a salary within the club’s second tier of earners, comparable to Bukayo Saka but below that of Declan Rice and Kai Havertz. Like Saliba, Saka is also contracted until 2027 and has expressed his desire to remain at Arsenal, stating in April, “For me, I want to win and I want to win wearing this badge. I am really happy to be here.”
Arsenal
Premier League Transfer Roundup: Key Moves and Interests Revealed
Premier League clubs pursue transfers including Antony, Gabriel Jesus, Cole Palmer, and more.
The 2025/26 season’s transfer speculation continues to captivate Premier League followers. Manchester United recently turned down a €20 million offer from Real Betis for a stake in Antony’s player rights, according to SPORT. Meanwhile, Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus, currently sidelined by injury, has been linked with a surprising potential move to rivals Tottenham Hotspur and interest from Newcastle United, per CaughtOffside. Despite this, Arsenal is expected to resist selling key players Oleksandr Zinchenko and Leandro Trossard, as detailed by Football Transfers.
Liverpool’s target Alexander Isak has dismissed a lucrative offer from Al Hilal that would have made him one of football’s highest earners, reports Mundo Deportivo. Attention in the transfer market also centers on Manchester City preparing an unprecedented €250 million bid for Cole Palmer, who joined Chelsea two years ago for £45 million, as claimed by Fichajes.
Interest in Aleksandar Mitrović from Manchester United, Newcastle, and Tottenham remains, with Newcastle also linked to RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško. However, Šeško is reportedly more inclined to join Manchester United, according to Guido Schäfer.
To neutralize Real Madrid’s interest, Manchester City plans to offer Rodri a new five-year contract, according to Fichajes. Barcelona, meanwhile, is reportedly willing to sell academy graduate Gerard Martín for as little as €15 million, with Premier League clubs showing interest, according to El Nacional.
Finally, Xabi Alonso has made a decision to move on Raúl Asencio, putting the defender’s future in doubt, reports OK Diario.
