What started as a routine pre-season fixture in Singapore turned into a celebration for Arsenal supporters, as their latest marquee signing, Viktor Gyokeres, made a surprise appearance to greet fans—just hours after sealing his £64 million move from Sporting Lisbon.
Even though he wasn’t part of the matchday squad to face Newcastle, Gyokeres still stole the spotlight at the National Stadium.
A Warm Welcome Without Even Kicking a Ball
The Swedish striker didn’t feature in the 28-man squad for Sunday’s game, but that didn’t stop him from being the star attraction.
As he stepped onto the pitch ahead of kick-off, the crowd erupted in applause.
Fans waved Swedish flags and signs, including a big homemade banner that read “WELCOME GYOKERES.”
Many in the crowd were already wearing Arsenal shirts with his name and number printed on the back—and some even mimicked his now-famous ‘mask’ celebration using their hands.
Taking On the Legacy of the No. 14 Shirt
Gyokeres has officially been handed the iconic No. 14 jersey, a shirt steeped in Arsenal history thanks to legends like Thierry Henry and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
It’s a bold number to inherit, but one that signals the club’s belief in his potential to lead the front line.
A Long Transfer Saga Finally Resolved
Arsenal’s pursuit of Gyokeres wasn’t smooth sailing.
Sporting Lisbon rejected a £60 million offer earlier in the summer and even threatened disciplinary action when the striker didn’t report for pre-season.
But Gyokeres made it clear he only wanted one destination: north London.
Eventually, Arsenal returned with a stronger bid, this time offering more money upfront, which sealed the deal.
From Coventry to Lisbon to the Emirates
Gyokeres has been on a meteoric rise.
After joining Sporting in 2023 from Coventry City, he netted an astonishing 97 goals in 102 appearances—a record that made him one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers.
Arsenal had been desperate for a natural centre-forward, especially with recent injury issues that forced the likes of Mikel Merino into an improvised striker role.
Now, with Gyokeres in the squad, that gap seems well and truly filled.
Arteta Hails a Natural Goal Machine
Manager Mikel Arteta couldn’t hide his excitement over the signing.
Speaking on Saturday, he praised Gyokeres for his reliability, power, and incredible scoring record:
“Viktor brings a clinical edge. He’s quick, strong, intelligent with his movement, and has a very high conversion rate.
We’re delighted to have him.”
A Signing That Fits the Vision
Sporting Director Andrea Berta echoed that enthusiasm, describing Gyokeres as a striker who embodies everything Arsenal are trying to build:
“His mentality, physicality, and intelligence make him an ideal fit.
We’re confident he’ll be a big influence both on and off the pitch.”
A Rare Move for a True Centre-Forward
Interestingly, Gyokeres is only the third centre-forward Arsenal have signed in the past five and a half years, following Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz.
With this move, the club is clearly signaling a shift toward more balance in attack.
A Massive Summer Spending Spree
This signing also pushes Arsenal’s summer spending to around £210 million—a huge outlay that shows their intent to challenge at the very top.
So far, the Gunners have also added:
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Martin Zubimendi (£65m)
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Noni Madueke (£52m)
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Christian Norgaard (£15m)
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Cristhian Mosquera (£13m)
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Kepa Arrizabalaga (£5m)
It’s shaping up to be one of the club’s most transformative windows in recent memory.
When Will He Make His Debut?
Gyokeres will soon begin training with his new teammates and could make his Arsenal debut later on the tour.
For now, the fans in Singapore have already made him feel right at home—without him even touching the ball.