Cristiano Ronaldo knows a thing or two about the beautiful game so when the football icon dishes out praise for a player, you sit up and take notice. And Arsenal fans will have been thrilled with Ronaldo’s two-word summary of summer signing Viktor Gyokeres.
The Gunners had been in the market for a new striker as the north London side targeted both Benjamin Sesko and Gyokeres.
Arsenal ultimately decided to pursue their interest in Gyokeres and after prolonged negotiations with Sporting, they managed to strike a deal with the Portuguese powerhouse for the Swedish forward.
Manchester United, who have since signed former Arsenal target Sesko from RB Leipzig, were also linked with a move for Gyokeres, a switch that would have seen the former Coventry man link up with ex-Sporting head coach Ruben Amorim.
Gyokeres tore up Liga Portugal
The 27-year-old was imperious during his two years at Ronaldo's former side Sporting, scoring 68 league goals, prompting Arsenal to spend big to sign the Sweden international.
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And Ronaldo delivered high praise for Gyokeres following Al Nassr’s pre-season friendly win over Rio Ave.
Ronaldo, who recently dropped a small fortune on an engagement ring for long-term partner Georgina Rodriguez, scored a hat-trick in a 4-0 triumph over the Portuguese side, and the Portugal captain waxed lyrical about Gyokeres.
Speaking to reporters after the victory, Ronaldo on the league and Gyokeres, as quoted by GOAL, said: “I hope it's a competitive league. I always hope for the best and that Sporting can be champions again.
“Gyokeres? We only miss those who are there, that's what they say. I believe Sporting will be competitive.
“Gyokeres was a special player, but the team will have to adapt. I believe Suárez, who arrived from Almeria, is an excellent forward. Harder is also a good player, young, and needs time.
“I saw the Super Cup; Sporting performed well against Benfica, but they didn't win because they couldn't - that's football.”
Ronaldo’s comments on Gyokeres will have been music to the ears of Arsenal fans, who are hoping to witness further silverware under Mikel Arteta in the coming campaign.
The Gunners have finished second in each of the last three Premier League seasons, and supporters are hoping they’ll finally be the bride rather than the bridesmaid this time around.
Gunners seeking glory after hectic summer window
Arsenal have been active in the summer transfer window, having signed a backup for David Raya in Kepa, bolstered at the back with the addition of Cristhian Mosquera, added in midfield with Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard, and finally secured a striker in the form of Gyokeres. Noni Madueke, meanwhile, also made the move from Chelsea to Arsenal.
And as Arsenal seek to pip the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City to the Premier League title, they are looking to add to the squad with Eberechi Eze.
However, they do face competition from rivals Tottenham for Eze, with Spurs now back in for the Crystal Palace star owing to James Maddison’s ACL injury.
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Viktor Gyokeres, Arsenal, Football, Premier League, Sporting Lisbon, Transfers
Ben McAleer