2 weeks ago
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New Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres has one clear request for skipper Martin Odegaard: a boatload of assists.
The 27-year-old Swedish marksman finally sealed his £63.7million switch to the Emirates on Saturday, signing a five-year deal. The capture of Gyokeres concludes Arsenal's lengthy hunt for a striker, with manager Mikel Arteta believing he could be the final piece of their puzzle.
Gyokeres netted 97 goals in merely 101 appearances for Sporting CP, establishing himself as one of Europe's deadliest finishers. However, the former Coventry City hero will require quality delivery and expects Odegaard to supply it, reports the Mirror.
In footage shared across Arsenal's social media platforms after his arrival, Gyokeres can be observed reading aloud a letter from the Gunners captain.
"If there's anything you need or any way I can help, just give me a shout," part of Odegaard's message read. "Some assists, please, would be nice," Gyokeres interrupted.
The 27-year-old then resumed reading, stating: "I'm looking forward to working together and sharing success in the season ahead. All the best, Martin." Gyokeres subsequently remarked: "Very nice. The only thing I need is some assists."
The Sweden international encountered Odegaard for the first time on Sunday, arriving in Singapore to witness Arsenal defeat Newcastle 3-2.
Odegaard found the net with the decisive goal, slotting home an 84th-minute penalty. The Gunners are set to face their fierce north London rivals, Tottenham, in a Thursday clash in Hong Kong.
Gyokeres could potentially make his debut in this friendly, but his lack of match fitness might postpone his first appearance in an Arsenal shirt.
Arteta didn't dismiss the possibility of Gyokeres playing, though, stating: "Well I think he hasn't had a single training session with the team since the last game with Sporting when they became champions.
"So we will assess him tomorrow, he's done all the medicals, everything is looking good but to get him up to speed with the right levels of fitness I think is very important.
"We're not going to stop him," Arteta continued. "We want him with us as quick as possible but we'll have to assess and the medical team will do that."
Should he feature, Gyokeres will sport the No. 14 shirt, famously worn by Gunners legend Thierry Henry and previously donned by strikers Eddie Nketiah and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
His competitive debut is likely to be against Manchester United, who also showed interest in signing him, on Sunday, August 16, marking the start of the 2025-26 Premier League season.
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