Arsenal have completed the signing of Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP in a deal that could rise to £63.5 million, and the club is already planning tactical changes to get the best out of their new striker. The Swedish international, who scored 97 goals in 102 appearances for the Portuguese side over the past two seasons, is expected to lead the line as a traditional number nine.
According to reports, Arsenal will instruct players to get the ball forward more quickly to exploit the space behind opposition centre-backs, a strategy that served Gyokeres well in Lisbon. This marks a shift from last season's approach, where Kai Havertz often dropped deep to link play. Manager Mikel Arteta believes the change is necessary to end the club's title drought after coming close in recent campaigns.
Arsenal considered other targets including Newcastle's Alexander Isak and RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko before settling on Gyokeres. Isak was deemed too expensive and injury-prone, while Sesko was judged to have insufficient top-level experience. Both players were valued similarly to Gyokeres but were seen as higher-risk options.
Gyokeres made his Arsenal debut in a pre-season friendly loss to Tottenham. His arrival has prompted a swift tactical overhaul, with Arteta emphasising the need to supply the striker with early service. The Gunners hope that the 27-year-old's finishing ability will elevate the team to Premier League glory.
