FBL-EUR-C1-SPORTING-ARSENAL
Arsenal star Gabriel has shared his thoughts on Viktor Gyokeres as the Sporting CP striker closes in on a switch to Emirates Stadium.
Viktor Gyokeres Arsenal
WHAT HAPPENED?
Gabriel sat down with The Athletic for a wide-ranging interview ahead of the new season. The conversation inevitably turned to the Brazilian defender's thoughts on the Gunners' efforts to secure Gyokeres' services. Referencing the Champions League league phase clash between Sporting CP and Arsenal in the 2024-25 season, Gabriel said playing against Gyokeres was a "big challenge". Gabriel scored during Arsenal's 5-1 win, mimicking Gyokeres' trademark mask celebration.
FBL-EUR-C1-SPORTING-ARSENAL
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Sporting and Arsenal are still negotiating the minutiae of the transfer, with the latest reports suggesting the two clubs remain at an impasse over the terms of additional fees in a deal of around £69m ($92.5m). Gabriel has welcomed the prospect of Gyokeres' arrival, though, and says he and his Arsenal team-mates want the club to recruit the best players, as they hope to follow three straight seasons in second place with their first Premier League crown in 21 years.
WHAT GABRIEL SAID
When asked about Arsenal's transfer activity, with summer deals for Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Kepa and Noni Madueke having already been closed, Gabriel said: "At a club like Arsenal, of course what we want is to have the best players.
“We want to fight for trophies, so we need to have the best. When players arrive, the advice I give them is to focus and try to adapt as quickly as possible, because we’re already working really hard. So I believe they’re already quite in sync with us, and I believe this year we can achieve great things.”
On Gyokeres, he added: “For sure, when we played against him, it was a big challenge for us. What we know now is that he’s a great player, who definitely had a great season last year.”
FBL-POR-CUP-BENFICA-SPORTING
WHAT NEXT?
Gabriel and his Arsenal team-mates are heading to Asia for a pre-season tour. The club likely would have hoped Gyokeres could have joined that trip, but the protracted transfer saga has been causing headaches for all parties. The player's father is said to be distraught over the whole affair, while the 27-year-old has reportedly moved out of his luxury Lisbon abode, despite the lack of progress in recent days.
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Nunez now Klopp now The likeness is unreal! ALEXANDER ISAK lol Premier League strikers… This Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, PL__OOC)...
The Brazilian midfielder, 27, is currently at Juventus but has gone on strike in an attempt to leave.Man Utd have joined the race to sign Douglas Luiz from JuventusLuiz failed to turn up for pre-season training yesterday, with Juve set to take disciplinary action against the playmaker.And he is thought to want a return to the Premier League following spells at Villa and Manchester City.SunSport ex...
Manchester City have hijacked Newcastle United's move for Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford by agreeing a £27 million ($36m) deal to re-sign the England under-21 international, sources have told ESPN, two years after allowing him to leave the Etihad.Trafford will sign a five-year contract at the Etihad with the option of a further 12 months at the end of the deal, sources have told ESPN.Traff...
The Red Devils scouted Brann's Eivind Helland in his side's 3-1 win against Viking Stavanger earlier this month.Norway defender Eivind Helland is being tracked by Man Utd and Bayern MunichAnd the Bundesliga champions followed suit by dispatching an official to watch the Norwegian Under-21 international in his side's 2-0 defeat to KFUM in Oslo on Saturday.Helland, who was compared to Ballon d'Or wi...
Newcastle identify Wolves star Larsen as Isak replacementNewcastle United have reportedly identified Wolves star Jorgen Strand Larsen as a replacement for Alexander Isak, with Eddie Howe being a long-term admirer of the Norwegian striker.Real not giving up on SalibaReal Madrid are not reportedly giving up on William Saliba as Los Blancos prepare a delegation to negotiate with Arsenal for the Frenc...
REVEALED: Ter Stegen surgery hands Barcelona major cash boostMarc-Andre ter Stegen's surgery has worked in Barcelona's favour.The Germany goalkeeper announced on Thursday that he will undergo back surgery.Marca says the recovery period is expected to see Ter Stegen needing 4-6 months before he is seen back on the pitch.According to LaLiga regulations, such a period is ruled as "long-term" and so m...
Man United Receive Concrete Offer for Outcast Star in Club’s 'Bomb Squad'Man United have reportedly received a concrete offer for one of their exiled stars, currently training separately as part of the club’s so-called "bomb squad."The 20-time champions have already managed to get one unwanted star out of the club in Marcus Rashford, albeit temporarily.According to Dutch outlet Voetbal...
Newcastle's Nightmare Window Continues! Man City Launch Fresh Bid for Tino LivramentoMan City have launched a renewed bid for Newcastle full-back Tino Livramento, adding to the Magpies’ growing list of summer transfer headaches.Eddie Howe’s side have had a summer to forget, missing out on several summer transfer targets to some of the Premier League’s more established sides.Not o...
Bad News for Cole Palmer? Chelsea Star’s Best Mate Linked with ExitCole Palmer could be set for disappointment as his close friend at Chelsea is linked with a potential summer exit amid growing Premier League interest.According to The Sun, Tosin Adarabioyo, 27, is attracting interest from Crystal Palace and West Ham but Chelsea consider him 'not for sale' as he is seen as a 'key member' of t...
Barcelona Reach 'Total Agreement' on Jules Kounde Contract ExtensionBarcelona have reportedly reached a total agreement with key defender Jules Kound9 over a new contract at the club amid interest from Man City.According to French outlet L’Equipe, the 26-year-old has agreed a new five-year deal with the La Liga Champions, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2030.Sporting director Dec...
- 1 Chelsea Deny Late Move to Hijack Man United Deal for Bryan Mbeumo
- 2 AC Milan Reach Agreement with Brighton for Pervis Estupinan Transfer
- 3 Liverpool ace Diaz agrees personal terms with Bayern Munich
- 4 'Man Utd are losing a great player!' - Paul Pogba reacts to Marcus Rashford's 'crazy' imminent transfer to Barcelona
- 5 Man City make move for Jules Kounde
- 6 Enzo Fernandez agrees Real Madrid move
- 7 Stunning ring girls get hot pants signed by undisputed champ
- 8 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 9 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 10 Diaz determined to leave for Bayern