Viktor Gyokeres could make his Arsenal debut against Tottenham Hotspur this Thursday as Mikel Arteta praised the striker’s drive and emotional connection to the club.
The Swedish forward, who joined the Gunners for £63.5m from Sporting CP, has been training with the squad in Hong Kong ahead of their pre-season derby clash — the first ever north London derby to take place outside the UK.
Arteta revealed in his press conference that Gyokeres’ “conviction” and immediate attachment to the club were key reasons behind the signing, with the 27-year-old even choosing to wear Thierry Henry’s iconic No. 14 shirt.
Why Gyokeres Picked Arsenal — and No.14
When asked why the club moved quickly to sign Gyokeres, Arteta didn’t hesitate to praise the striker’s mentality:
“Someone very determined, someone that was already really attached to the club… the way he talked about Thierry [Henry] and what the shirt represented. He felt it — and when you feel it, go for it.” — Mikel Arteta, Arsenal manager
Gyokeres had other squad numbers available, but opted for the legendary No.14, once worn by Arsenal’s all-time top scorer. That decision, says Arteta, was more than symbolic — it reflected his desire to make an impact at the Emirates.
Could He Play vs Spurs?
Arteta confirmed the club will make a late decision on whether Gyokeres features in Thursday’s clash with Tottenham, saying:
“He’s only done today’s session and yesterday very little. We’re going to assess tonight and if the medical staff are happy, it’s a possibility.”
The striker is clearly keen, and the club is excited — but any involvement will depend on fitness.
Odegaard Already Impressed by His Scandinavian Teammate
Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard also spoke about the new arrival and believes Gyokeres already looks ready to shine:
“He’s a very complete striker — strong, fast, good finisher, and intelligent. You can already see the hunger, the energy, and the willingness. I’m excited to have him with the team.”
The Norwegian and Swedish duo have already clicked on and off the pitch, which bodes well for the Gunners as they prepare for the 2025/26 season.
Viktor Gyokeres – 2024/25 Season Stats (Sporting CP)
| Stat (2024/25 – All Comps) | Viktor Gyokeres |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 52 |
| Goals | 54 |
| Assists | 13 |
| Chances Created | 52 |
| Minutes Played | 4,248 |
*Source: Transfermarkt/UEFA – 2024/25 (Sporting CP)*
Analyst Verdict: Gyokeres Already Feels Like an Arsenal Player
This is not just another big-money signing — Gyokeres is walking into Arsenal with the hunger and presence of someone who believes he belongs. That’s exactly what Mikel Arteta values most: mentality over hype, and character over market buzz.
He’s physically elite, relentless in pressing, and knows how to score every type of goal — but it’s his emotional investment that could set him apart in a red shirt. Choosing No.14 wasn’t a marketing stunt. It was a signal. Gyokeres wants to be a reference point, not a rotation option.
With Martin Ødegaard already endorsing his quality and the staff impressed by his early sessions, Arsenal fans should be excited. Whether or not he features against Spurs in Hong Kong, one thing is clear: he’s ready — and he means business.
Key Insights
- Gyokeres joined Arsenal from Sporting CP for £63.5m
- He chose Thierry Henry’s No.14 shirt to show his emotional connection to the club
- Arteta praised his “conviction” and hunger to join
- Ødegaard described him as a “complete striker” with high energy
- Arsenal will decide late whether he features vs Spurs on Thursday
What’s Next for Gyokeres and Arsenal
Arsenal will assess Viktor Gyokeres’ fitness before deciding on his involvement in Thursday’s derby vs Tottenham
The striker could debut in Hong Kong — a symbolic launchpad for his Premier League career
Arsenal face a packed August schedule, so early integration could be key to his adaptation
If cleared, Gyokeres is expected to get 15–30 minutes of action off the bench
Should Viktor Gyokeres make his Arsenal debut vs Tottenham on Thursday? Let us know your thoughts below
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