Viktor Gyokeres has said he feels "much better" after a full pre-season with Arsenal, as speculation over his future continues.
Improved Fitness and Form
Gyokeres joined the Gunners from Sporting CP last summer, but only featured in three friendlies having arrived short of match sharpness due to not training with his former club amid a prolonged transfer saga.
Even with an extended post-World Cup break, the Sweden international has played against Girona, Real Betis and Borussia Dortmund this summer, and is due to feature against Como on Wednesday evening.
After featuring for 78 minutes in the Emirates Cup loss to Dortmund, Gyokeres says he has already spotted a big difference compared to 12 months ago.
"I feel much, much better than probably last pre-season," he told reporters. "I've had more weeks now and it feels very, very good physically."
Goal in Emirates Cup
Gyokeres opened his account for the summer against Dortmund, converting from the penalty spot after Christos Tzolis had been fouled in the area. Though, it was not enough for Arsenal to avoid defeat in their first home game as Premier League champions.
"It was amazing to be back and to feel the atmosphere and see the fans again but of course we wanted a result as well," Gyokeres added.
"I think we're in a good stage, everyone is coming back now from the World Cup so I'm sure we're going to be ready for everything that comes."
Transfer Speculation
While Gyokeres has started all three of Arsenal’s official pre-season friendlies, he continues to be linked with a summer exit as talk of a swap deal involving Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez refusing to go away.
It has been reported that the Gunners are expected to reignite their interest in the Argentina international after failing to lure Vinicius Junior from Real Madrid.
However, amid suggestions via social media that Alvarez has already agreed personal terms with Arsenal, Diego Simeone insists the striker is not for sale.
"The situation is very clear," the Atleti boss told reporters.
"The club took a decision which Miguel Angel explained well. We are very happy with Julian."
"From the sporting side of things, we will help him keep growing and improving so that he can give us what he has given us over these two years at the club so far, which was a mountain of things."
