Mikel Arteta says that the determination of Viktor Gyokers to become a member of Arsenal was one of the most important reasons why he signed him – and the striker that takes Thierry Henry's iconic shirt number shows that he is “confirmed” to the club.
Gyokeres completed a relocation of £ 63.5 million from Sporting CP last week, with the Swedish striker who took Arsenal -legend Henry's iconic no. 14, despite the fact that other squad figures were available.
The 27-year-old participated in his first training sessions with the Arsenal team on their pre-season tour through Asia and Arteta is impressed the entire summer of the mentality of the attacker.
“I use the word conviction and that is the first thing I noticed when I spoke with him,” said Arteta in a press conference in Hong Kong.
“Someone very determined, someone who was already really attached to the club [with] The way he talked about the club, the history and in this case Thierry [Henry’s number] And what the shirt represented.
“He felt it right away, and if you feel it – go for it.”
Gyokees could have an explosive debut on Thursday for Arsenal in the first derby in North Londs that takes place outside the UK.
When asked if the new frontman of Arsenal has the chance to appear against Spurs in Hong Kong, Arteta replied: “He only did today's session and very little yesterday.
“We're going to judge [on Wednesday night] What he is and if the medical staff is also happy with his condition to participate in tomorrow's competition, then it is a possibility. We will discuss that. “
Odegaard: You can already see the quality of Gyokees
In the same press conference, Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard says that Gyokeres already shows his quality in training, in which the Norwegian describes his colleague Scandinavian teammate as a “very complete player”.
“I think you have all seen what he has done so far in his career,” said Odegaard. “Especially the last season at Sporting, the figures speak for themselves.
“He is a very complete player. He is physical, strong, fast, good finisher and intelligent.
“I think he is a very complete striker and you can also see the hunger, the energy he brings. I am really excited to have him with the team.
“He has only trained a few times, but you can already see the quality, the energy and the willingness. I am excited to have a pitch with him.”
Frank: Arsenal one of the best teams in the world | Arteta: Great to hear!
In the Spurs camp, new head coach Thomas Frank surprised a few by describing Rivals Arsenal as “one of the best teams in the world, unfortunately”.
The Dane, who gets his first derby experience in Hong Kong, said: “I think it is a big challenge, except that it is our greatest rivals and the first North Londs -derby outside the UK.
“It is now also one of the best teams, unfortunately I have to say, in the world. We must also be honest.
“So that way it is a big test, but it is more than a test against Arsenal. Of course it is not just a friendly one, and we will do everything we can to win.”
In response to those comments from the former head coach of Brentford, Arteta replied: “Well, that is great to hear that especially from someone like Frank that I respect enormously.
“And with him and Spurs, I think we'll see tomorrow the direction he is going to take with the team and his vision, implementing his philosophy.
“And of course we have to concentrate on what we want to do, what we want to achieve, and I am sure it will be a great game.”