Viktor Gyokeres makes telling two-word comment in behind the scenes Arsenal clip
Arsenal fans have been given a glimpse into Viktor Gyokeres' mindset following his blockbuster move to the Emirates Stadium. Last week, the Gunners' long search for a superstar striker came to an end after they sealed a £55million deal - potentially rising to £63.5m - for the Swede.
The club's shirt sales record was swiftly shattered as supporters rushed to snap up Gyokeres jerseys, particularly after he chose the iconic No. 14, famously worn by Arsenal legend Thierry Henry. And it's not just the fans buzzing with excitement; Gyokeres himself has shown plenty of enthusiasm about the move.
In a behind-the-scenes clip during his Arsenal unveiling, the 27-year-old was asked how he's feeling, and simply replied: "Better now." It's a statement that speaks volumes about his relief and excitement after a protracted transfer saga finally reached its conclusion.
The journey to secure Gyokeres' signature was anything but straightforward. Arsenal had been locked in negotiations with Sporting CP for weeks, with the Portuguese club initially playing hardball over the agreed-upon fee.
Having blasted 97 goals in 102 games in Portugal and helping Sporting clinch back-to-back Primeira Liga titles, Gyokeres was disheartened when the club appeared to renege on their gentlemen's agreement to let him leave for around £58m - significantly less than his £86m release clause.
As a result, tensions rose, especially when Arsenal started focusing on a deal to sign RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko. Gyokeres threatened to go on strike, telling the club he wouldn't be turning up for pre-season training in an effort to force their hand.
Eventually, Sporting lowered their asking price, and with negotiations for Sesko stalling, Arsenal pivoted back to Gyokeres. But an agreement was anything but swift.
At one point, it seemed the deal might collapse, leaving fans frustrated and Gyokeres in limbo. However, Arsenal's persistence paid off, and the forward is now a Gunner, ready to lead the line in Mikel Arteta's Premier League title-chasing side.
Gyokeres' "better now" comment, delivered with a subtle smile, hints at more than just physical well-being. It suggests a weight has been lifted off his shoulders after months of uncertainty. The transfer saga, which dominated headlines and tested the patience of all involved, is finally over, and he appears to be embracing his new chapter in north London with open arms.
The former Coventry City star, who scored an astonishing 54 goals in 52 appearances last season, is seen as the final piece in Arteta's attacking puzzle. His pace, physicality, and clinical finishing are expected to elevate Arsenal's title challenge, and his positive demeanour in the clip only fuels the optimism surrounding his arrival.
Arteta, too, will be delighted with Gyokeres' early integration. The Spaniard has long prioritised players who buy into the club's culture, and Gyokeres' relaxed yet focused attitude suggests he's ready to hit the ground running.
"I know [Arsenal], I've watched them before, so they (Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta) didn't have to sell it for me. I was already excited about it," Gyokeres added. "To come here was a really big thing for me, to be honest."
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