* Arsenal - Tottenham friendly: 6:30 p.m. today, 31/7

"I felt that Arsenal really wanted me. It's a big club with a great history, and I want to be a part of it," the BBC quoted Gyokeres as saying on 30/7.

Viktor Gyokeres during Arsenal's training session in Hong Kong on 30/7. Photo: Arsenal FC

Viktor Gyokeres during Arsenal's training session in Hong Kong on 30/7. Photo: Arsenal FC

Arsenal and Gyokeres quickly reached a personal agreement on a 5-year contract. However, negotiations between the Gunners and Sporting stalled in the final stages because the two clubs had not agreed on additional fees. During that time, Sporting President Frederico Varandas said Gyokeres was disciplined internally for not returning to pre-season training as planned.

Gyokeres arrived at the Emirates Stadium as one of Europe's top strikers. In the last two seasons, the Swedish striker scored 68 goals in the Portuguese League - leading all of Europe, among the top 10 national leagues.

Despite his confidence in his own ability, Gyokeres acknowledged that the Premier League will be a new challenge that requires time to adapt. "Many players from Portugal have done very well in England. But you can't compare directly because there are many other factors such as the level of the league and the team you play for," the 27-year-old said. "Let's see."

Despite having only one training session with Arsenal, Gyokeres said coach Mikel Arteta had already communicated his expectations. The new Arsenal player said: "He wants me to maximize my qualities. I've only trained once, I need more time to integrate. But so far, it feels great."

Gyokeres was with Brighton from 2018-2021, but never played in the Premier League. The striker played for St. Pauli, Swansea, and Coventry on loan, before being bought by Coventry in 2021. He joined Sporting in 2023, scoring 97 goals in 102 matches over two seasons in Portugal. Last season, Gyokeres scored 54 goals in 52 matches across all competitions, including a hat-trick against Man City in the Champions League, contributing significantly to Sporting's winning of the national championship and the Portuguese Cup.

"It's hard to describe exactly my competitive spirit, because there are so many reasons that formed it," Gyokeres expressed. "Getting here wasn't easy. There were many times when things didn't really go the way I wanted, and that was tough. At the same time, it helps you learn and grow, not only as a player but also as a person. To play at a high level, you have to know what you need to do and not lose your direction."

Gyokeres wears the number 14 shirt at Arsenal. Photo: Arsenal FC

Gyokeres wears the number 14 shirt at Arsenal. Photo: Arsenal FC

Gyokeres will wear the number 14 shirt at his new club, the number formerly worn by Eddie Nketiah, Theo Walcott, former captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and legend Thierry Henry. According to British media, initial figures show that Gyokeres' shirt sales have far surpassed any newcomer in Arsenal's history.

Gyokeres said there weren't many numbers for him to choose from and he didn't feel pressure from the enormous shadow of the legendary Henry. "When I knew number 14 was available, it was an easy choice. Of course, I know the history behind it," he said. "That's not what I'm aiming for. I don't intend to be compared to what Henry has achieved in his career, especially here. I just want to do it my own way and show my personal qualities. Of course, Henry is a great player, but he's different from me. I just want to go my own way."

Compiled by Hong Duy