Viktor Gyokeres: Gabriel Magalhaes talks up Arsenal target as Gunners seek transfer 'breakthrough'

Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes has talked up the qualities of Viktor Gyokeres ahead of the Swede's anticipated arrival from Sporting Lisbon.

The Gunners are understood to finally be on the verge of a full agreement with the Portuguese giants for Gyokeres, and they are hopeful of reaching a breakthrough in the coming hours. 

The deal has been held up by the structure of proposed performance-related add-ons, but Arsenal remain confident of getting a transfer over the line in time for the start of the new Premier League season.

However, Gyokeres will not be involved in Arsenal's pre-season tour of Asia, as 30 Gunners have flown out to Singapore for Wednesday's clash with AC Milan, which precedes battles with Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur (Hong Kong).

Sporting director Andrea Berta will be working to thrash out the final details of Gyokeres's move while Arteta's men return to action, as the Scandinavian joins the club who thumped Sporting 5-1 in the Champions League last year.

Gabriel urges Gyokeres to "adapt" at Arsenal after transfer

Gabriel was among the scorers in that demolition job, where Gyokeres was nullified by the Brazilian and William Saliba, but Gabriel has nevertheless insisted that the 27-year-old gave them a good run for their money.

"For sure, when we played against him, it was a big challenge for us," Gabriel told The Athletic. "What we know now is that he’s a great player, who definitely had a great season last year.

"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."

Gyokeres's arrival could either precede or succeed an announcement for Cristhian Mosquera, the Valencia defender whose Arsenal signing was accidentally leaked soon after confirmation of Noni Madueke's move.

Mosquera will be expected to play backup to Saliba and Gabriel, the latter of whom signed a new long-term deal until 2029 earlier this summer to end speculation surrounding his future.

Arsenal transfer news: Gabriel plays down Saudi Arabia exit talk

The former Lille man was briefly linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League a couple of years ago, but he has affirmed that he gave no thought to the rumours and simply wants to win silverware in North London.

"I didn’t hear about anything personally," he added. "People say a lot of things on the internet. It didn’t take my focus away — I was just focused on Arsenal. This is where I want to win trophies."

The 27-year-old has established a reputation as one of England's leading centre-backs since his arrival in 2020, registering 20 goals and five assists in 210 appearances for Arteta's men across all competitions.

However, Gabriel only has one Community Shield and three Premier League silver medals to show for his efforts in North London so far.

Written by
Ben Knapton