Pep Guardiola delivered damning verdict after being asked about Arsenal's new signing Viktor Gyokeres and it speaks volumes
Pep Guardiola has already given a damning verdict on Arsenal's new signing Viktor Gyokeres and it speaks volumes about what fans should expect.
Gyokeres is due to arrive in London on Friday to complete a £63.8m move from Sporting CP, ending Arsenal's long wait for a proper striker.
After signing for Sporting from Coventry for €20m (£17.5m) in 2023, the Swede went on to score an astonishing 97 goals in 102 games.
While it has been clear earlier that he would leave this summer, it has developed into a saga.
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Although he has a €100m (£85m) release clause written into his contract, he believed he had a gentleman's agreement to leave for €60m (£51 million), plus €10m (£8m) in add-ons.
But Sporting CP President Frederico Varandas denied the existence of such an agreement.
In response, Gyokeres did not report for pre-season training and told executives he would not play for the club again and he is now set to get his move to the Gunners.
What did Pep Guardiola say?
Guardiola has first hand evidence of what Gyokeres is capable of doing ahead against English teams.
Back in November, Gyokeres scored a hat-trick as Sporting CP defeated Manchester City 4-1 in the Champions League league phase.
Guardiola said: "“We have Erling Haaland, the best striker in the world.
"Gyokeres is a very important player for them but he has been with [Ruben] Amorim for a long time, you can see the patterns, the joy.”
Guardiola's words serve as a warning to Arsenal fans that their new striker may need to be given time to adapt.
Given Arteta is an astute technician, it may not be a quick switch.
What will Viktor Gyokeres offer Arsenal?
Most importantly he should bring goals and lots of them.
Although the Portuguese league is an easier division than the Premier League, Gyokeres has an incredible ability to score goals.
He is a powerful athlete, combining pace and power, but it remains to be seen how that translates to the more physical Premier League.
Importantly he brings a different type of option to Arsenal's front line and Kai Havertz, who has been Arteta's first choice striker.
While the German is more comfortable dropping into midfield and linking play, Gyokeres is at his best on transition.
He is also more of a poacher than Havertz, who is not renowned for his finishing ability.
But if Arsenal want to see Gyokeres at his devastating best, then it is going to require some tactical tweaks from Arteta.
If the coach gets it right, then they have one of Europe's best strikers.
Topics: Viktor Gyokeres, Arsenal, Transfer News, Pep Guardiola, Premier League, Football, Sporting CP
James Taylor