Viktor Gyokeres was unveiled in front of Arsenal fans in Singapore on Sunday, less than 24 hours after completing his £64million move from Sporting Lisbon.
The Sweden international was not among the 28 players named in the Gunners’ matchday squad for their friendly against Newcastle at the National Stadium — 11 starters and 17 substitutes were listed — but that didn’t stop him making a big impression.
Gyokeres walked out to a thunderous reception before kick-off, waving to thousands of excited fans, some of whom already had his name and number printed on the back of their replica shirts. One even held up a homemade sign reading: ‘WELCOME GYOKERES’, while multiple Sweden flags were spotted among the crowd.
Many fans were also seen mimicking Gyokeres by using their hands to perform his trademark ‘mask’ celebration.
Arsenal confirmed the 27-year-old will wear the No 14 shirt, previously worn by club greats such as Thierry Henry and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The Gunners had been locked in protracted negotiations for Gyokeres throughout the summer, with Sporting rejecting an earlier £60m offer and threatening disciplinary action after the striker failed to report for pre-season. The forward, however, remained adamant in his desire to join Mikel Arteta’s side, and the breakthrough finally came with an improved bid offering a greater sum up front.
Viktor Gyokeres waved to fans ahead of Sunday’s game between Arsenal and Newcastle
Gyokeres was unveiled at Singapore’s National Stadium, shortly after signing for the Gunners
Some Arsenal fans already ‘Gyokeres 14’ printed on their shirts, just 24 hours after his signing
Gyokeres joins after scoring a staggering 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting since his move from Coventry City in 2023. His form made him one of the most in-demand centre-forwards in Europe — and a priority target for Arsenal, who have been short of a natural striker in recent seasons.
Manager Mikel Arteta said on Saturday: ‘We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Viktor Gyokeres to the club. The consistency he has shown in his performances and availability have been outstanding, and his goal contributions speak for themselves.
‘Viktor has so many qualities. He is a quick and powerful presence up front, with incredible goalscoring numbers at club and international levels.
‘He brings a clinical edge with a high conversion rate of chances into goals, with his intelligent movement in the box making him a constant threat.
‘We’re excited about what Viktor brings to our squad and are looking forward to start working with him. We welcome Viktor and his family to Arsenal.’
Sporting Director Andrea Berta added: ‘We are so pleased with the excellent deal we have completed to bring Viktor Gyokeres to the club.
‘Viktor is an exceptional talent and has consistently demonstrated he has the qualities and winning mentality required of a top-level centre-forward.
‘His physicality, intelligence and work ethic make him a perfect fit for our vision. We are confident Viktor will have a major impact on the pitch and become an important figure in our dressing room. Welcome, Viktor!’
There were also multiple Sweden flags spotted among the crowd, in honour of Gyokeres, 27
Gyokeres pictured posing for a photo as multiple fans behind him mimic his ‘mask’ celebration
Gyokeres joined the Gunners from Sporting Lisbon on Saturday in a transfer worth £64million
Arsenal’s need for a striker had become more acute during the second half of last season, with Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz both sidelined through injury, and midfielder Mikel Merino occasionally deployed in a makeshift forward role.
Gyokeres becomes just the third centre-forward the club have signed in five-and-a-half years — after Jesus and Havertz — and his arrival takes Arsenal’s summer spending to nearly £210m.
The Gunners have also brought in Martin Zubimendi (£65m), Noni Madueke (£52m), Christian Norgaard (£15m), Cristhian Mosquera (£13m) and Kepa Arrizabalaga (£5m) in what is shaping up to be a transformative window at the Emirates.
Gyokeres is expected to train with his new team-mates in the coming days and could make his first appearance later on the tour.
