Viktor Gyokeres: Gabriel Magalhaes issues verdict on Arsenal striker target as deal nears completion

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Evening Standard

·20 Juli 2025

Viktor Gyokeres: Gabriel Magalhaes issues verdict on Arsenal striker target as deal nears completion

The Brazilian kept Gyokeres from scoring when Arsenal faced Sporting in November

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Mikel Arteta’s squad was crying out for a consistent striker last season, and Gyokeres, who racked up a remarkable 67 goal contributions in 52 appearances across all competitions last season, is set to fill that void.

Standard Sport reported last week that, after extended negotiations, an agreement between clubs was close for a move worth €63.5million (£54.86m), with a further €10m (£8.64) in add-ons.

Gyokeres is not unfamiliar with Arsenal. He completed 90 minutes but failed to score as Sporting suffered a 5-1 loss to the North London outfit in the Champions League last November.

Reflecting on the meeting, Gabriel remembered Gyokeres as a tough opponent.

Speaking to BBC Sport, he said: "Playing against [Gyokeres] last year was a challenge. He is great and had a great season.

"We all know he is a great player, but he is a Sporting player not an Arsenal player.”

Gabriel, who committed his future to Arsenal with a new long-term deal in June, was among the goal-scorers that day, and mimicked Gyokeres’ signature celebration after heading home shortly before half-time.

He would not comment on that move, though, saying: “About the celebration, it is something I can't talk about right now."

Spitting image: Gabriel mimics Gyokeres’ signature celebration

Getty Images

Arsenal have been ambitious this window as they look to secure a major honour for the first time since lifting the FA Cup in 2020, already spending well over £100m to add Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke, and Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Gabriel said he is excited by Arsenal’s transfer business: "I think the players that came will help us out a lot.

"The club is doing what is best for the players and the manager. They are definitely doing their best to bring the best players that can help us, but we have to focus on what we can do out on the pitch.

"The players that are here are doing that. We are strong and we are getting stronger with these new players.

"Definitely, it excites me. We want to have the best players. To be in the dispute for titles, you have to have the best players."