Viktor Gyokeres has revealed that he attracted interest from several top clubs this summer but ultimately, his heart was set on just one, Arsenal.
The Swedish striker was officially unveiled as a Gunners player last weekend, signing a five-year deal with the North London club. Arsenal secured his services from Sporting CP for a reported €73 million, including bonuses, finally bringing an end to a long-running transfer saga.
Gyokeres is seen as a crucial addition to Arsenal’s attack, which struggled for consistency last season. Despite Kai Havertz finishing as the team’s top scorer, he only managed 13 goals across all competitions.
In contrast, Gyokeres was prolific during his time at Sporting, netting an impressive 97 goals in 102 appearances. His performances drew attention from several European heavyweights, including Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea.
Reports even suggested that Manchester United attempted to hijack the deal late on but Gyokeres was firm in his choice. For him, it was Arsenal or nothing.
“When I decided to leave Sporting, Arsenal was the only club I really saw myself joining,” he told ESPN. “Yes, there were other teams interested, but the decision wasn’t difficult.”
“I wasn’t necessarily focused on returning to England, but it was definitely something I considered while I was in Portugal,” he added. “This is the best league in the world, and I think it’s every player’s dream to play in the Premier League. When I felt the timing was right, I didn’t hesitate.”
For Gyokeres, Arsenal represents the perfect platform to chase silverware both domestically and in Europe.
