Overview

• Arsenal completed a structured deal worth up to £63.5 million to sign Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting Lisbon after protracted valuation talks
• Gyökeres started and played 60 minutes in Arsenal’s 1–0 season-opening win at Old Trafford on August 17
• He registered no shots, managed just 21 touches and completed 44 percent of his passes, drawing sharp criticism from English and Portuguese media
• Former Premier League manager Alan Pardew branded the debut “poor” and A Bola highlighted an uncharacteristic fumble during the match
• Teammates and club figures cited his limited pre-season preparation and tactical adjustment period as reasons for a quiet first outing