Overview

• The £63 million transfer from Sporting CP concluded in late July after protracted negotiations over a disputed exit clause.
• Gyokeres made his Arsenal debut on August 1 in Hong Kong against Tottenham, marking the start of his pre-season campaign.
• He joins from Sporting CP after scoring 54 goals in 52 games last season, establishing himself as one of Europe’s most prolific forwards.
• Early trials of Arteta’s direct system relied on long balls and vertical passes, resulting in a disjointed performance.
• Gyokeres’s runs behind defenders now offer a contrasting focal point to Kai Havertz’s deeper link-up play, adding tactical variety.