Viktor Gyokeres has admitted he preferred a move to Arsenal over Manchester United following his encounter with Mikel Arteta’s team in the Champions League last season.
Arsenal have now sealed the deal to sign the striker from Sporting CP, agreeing to pay €63.5 million (£54.8 million) upfront, with an additional €10 million (£8.6 million) in potential add-ons.
Gyokeres arrived in London on Friday, underwent his medical on Saturday, and has since signed a five-year contract with the Gunners, where he will take on the legendary No.14 shirt.
The 27-year-old had also drawn interest from Manchester United and had the chance to reunite with Ruben Amorim, his former manager at Sporting.
However, Gyokeres rejected Manchester United’s offer and remained determined to join Arsenal, even going as far as staging a strike at Sporting earlier this month to force the move.
Gyokeres will now link up with his new Arsenal teammates in Singapore for their pre-season tour of the Far East.
‘I just felt that it was the right club for me,’ Gyokeres said in an interview with Arsenal.com.
‘What I heard from Mikel and Andrea when I was speaking with them, and just what I’ve seen in the past years, how they’ve been playing football.
‘When I was playing against Arsenal last season, I could really feel it was a very strong team and very difficult to play against.
‘That made me choose Arsenal, and of course all the history the club has and the massive fanbase.
‘It’s been amazing to see all the support that they have already given me before I even arrived. That’s what it’s all about. It’s going to be very nice to see them in the stadiums as well.’
Gyokeres also insists he has ‘improved a lot’ since struggling to make an impact at Brighton earlier in his career.
‘To be a part of this club and to score in this kit and with this badge in front of all the supporters, I can’t wait. It will be an amazing feeling,’ Gyokeres said.
‘I started here [in England], it feels like a long time ago. I think I’ve improved a lot since then. Now I want to prove myself for real and perform together with the team.
‘It’s a big honour to play for your country, and then to score goals for them is amazing. When I played at Sporting, I scored a few goals in the Champions League so I feel that I can be on that level as well.
‘Now to come here to a club on Arsenal’s level, I think it’s going to help me perform even better with all the amazing players in this team. I’m really excited to get going.’
After announcing their deal to sign Gyokeres on Saturday evening, Mikel Arteta said: ‘We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Viktor Gyokeres to the club. The consistency he has shown in his performances and availability have been outstanding, and his goal contributions speak for themselves.
‘Viktor has so many qualities. He is a quick and powerful presence up front, with incredible goalscoring numbers at club and international levels. He brings a clinical edge with a high conversion rate of chances into goals, with his intelligent movement in the box making him a constant threat.
‘We’re excited about what Viktor brings to our squad and are looking forward to start working with him.’
