Viktor Gyokees was unveiled on Sunday for Arsenal -fans for Arsenal fans in Singapore, less than 24 hours after completing his £ 64 million relocation from Sporting Lisbon.
The Sweden International was not one of the 28 players mentioned in the game of Gunners' Matchday for their friendly against Newcastle in the National Stadium – 11 starters and 17 replacements were mentioned – but that did not stop him from making a big impression.
Gyokees ran to a thunderous reception for the kick-off, waved to thousands of excited fans, some of whom had already printed his name and number on the back of their replica shirts. One even stopped a homemade sign with the lecture: 'Welcome Gyokees', while several Sweden flags were seen among the crowd.
Many fans also saw Gyokees mimicing by using their hands to perform his characteristic 'mask' celebration.
Arsenal confirmed that 27-year-old will wear the No 14 shirt, previously worn by club greats such as Thierry Henry and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The Gunners were locked up all summer in long -term negotiations for Gyokeres, with sporting rejection of an earlier range of £ 60 million and threatening disciplinary measures after the striker could not report for the preseason. The attacker, however, remained unclear in his desire to become a member of Mikel Arteta, and the breakthrough eventually came in with an improved bid with a larger amount.
Gyokeres joins himself after scoring a stunning 97 goals in 102 performances for sport since his move from Coventry City in 2023. His form made him one of the most requested Center forces in Europe and a priority goal for Arsenal, who had a natural striker in the past seasons.
Manager Mikel Arteta said on Saturday: 'We are absolutely pleased to welcome Viktor Gyokeres in 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. '
Sports director Andrea Berta added: 'We are so happy with the excellent deal we have completed to bring Viktor Gyokeres to the club.
'Viktor is an exceptional talent and has consistently demonstrated that he has the qualities and winning mentality that is needed for a center-forward at the highest level.
'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! '
Arsenal's need for a striker had become more acute in the second half of last season, where Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz put both offside due to injuries, and midfielder Mikel Merino occasionally deployed in an improvised forward role.
Gyokeres only becomes the third center-forward that the club has signed in five and a half years-after Jesus and Havertz and his arrival takes the summer spending of Arsenal to almost £ 210 million.
The Gunners also have Martin Zubimendi (£ 65 million), Noni Madueke (£ 52 million), Christian Norgaard (£ 15 million), Crithian Mosquera (£ 13 million) and Kepa Arrizabalaga (£ 5m) (£ 5 million) (£ 5m) (£ 5m)) (£ 5m)) (£ 5m)) (£ 5m)) (£ 5m) (£ 5m) (£ 5m) (£ 5m) (£ 5m) (£ 5m) (£ 5m) (£ 5m) (£ 5) (£ 5m) (£ 5) (£ 5) (£ 5) (£ 5) (£ 5) (£ 5) (£ 5) (£ 5), £ 5), £ 5), £ 5), £ 5), £ 5), £ 5), £ 5), £ 5), £ 5), £ 5), £ 5), and 5m) (£ 5) (£ 5). has brought along.
Van Gyokeres is expected to train with his new teammates in the coming days and could make his first performance later on the Tour.