Viktor Gyokees has finally become an Arsenal player after his long-awaited transfer was finally confirmed on Saturday evening, but the Gunners had long been expected to sign another attacker instead
Andrea Berta could be confronted behind the scenes at Arsenal if Viktor Gyokeres cannot deliver. Gyokeres, 27, was finally confirmed as an Arsenal player on Saturday after the club agreed to pay Sporting Lisbon a total of £ 63.7 million.
The deal consists of a guaranteed £ 55 million plus £ 8.7 million in performance-related add-ons. Arsenal's conquest of the Sweden International ends their long wait to sign a striker and the decision is without a doubt Berta's biggest since the takeover of sports director in March.
The 97 goals of Gyokees in 102 games in two seasons with Sporting made him one of Europe's productive strikers. But the new No.14 of the Gunners was not the only candidate
RB Leipzig Hotshot Benjamin Sesko was actually the preferred goal for many who were involved in recruitment at Arsenal, according to the Telegraph. Five years younger than Gyokeres and with more experience in a top five competition, Sesko was seen as an exciting option with possibly more upside down.
In the end, the Gunners Gyokeres decided after Berta reportedly held conversations with the representatives of both players and, in a tactical trick, each of them gave them the preferred option. Sesko, 22, however, was considered more expensive and in combination with Gyoke's desire to become a member of Arsenal, club heads went with the last – who was always the desired target of Berta.
In a separate report it is now claimed that the Slovenian is on the Newcastle radar while he is also connected to Manchester United. If Sesko moves to the Premier League and thrive more than Gyokees, Berta's decision could come under the internal control.
Arsenal, however, is convinced that the former Coventry City star will turn out to be the correct answer to their Spitspuzzle. Berta is 'so satisfied' to have secure the signature of Gyokees and to describe the deal that he has described with sport as 'excellent'.
“Viktor is an exceptional talent and has consistently demonstrated that he has the qualities and winning mentality required for a top level center,” said the ex-athletico Madrid Transfer Chief in a statement.
“His physicality, intelligence and work ethic make him perfect for our vision. We are convinced that Viktor will have a major impact on the field and will become an important figure in our dressing room. Welcome, Viktor.”
Will Viktor Gyokeres be a success at Arsenal? Say in the commentary part.
As far as Mikel Arteta is concerned, the man who is burdened to get the best out of Gyokees, he added: “We are absolutely pleased to welcome Viktor Gyokeres to the club. The consistency he has shown in his versions and availability has been excellent and his target contributions speak for themselves.
“Viktor has so many qualities. He is a fast and powerful presence in advance, with incredible goal figures at club and international level. He brings a clinical lead with a high conversion rate of opportunities in goals, with his intelligent movement in the box, making it a constant threat.
“We are enthusiastic about what Viktor brings to our team and look forward to working with him. We welcome Viktor and his family in Arsenal.”