Arsenal’s new $67 million signing Viktor Gyokeres could make his debut in the high-stakes North London derby against Tottenham on Thursday, according to manager Mikel Arteta. The match, set to take place at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Stadium in front of 50,000 fans, will be the first time the fierce rivals clash outside the UK. Gyokeres, who only joined Arsenal’s Asia tour three days ago, took part in an open training session and could feature if cleared by the club’s medical staff.
Arteta confirmed the Swedish striker is still catching up on fitness after missing the team’s recent pre-season friendlies in Singapore. “We’re going to assess tonight how he is,” said the Arsenal boss. “If the medical staff are happy with his condition to participate tomorrow night, it’s a possibility.” Gyokeres, 27, arrives with a strong reputation, having scored 97 goals in 102 matches for Sporting Lisbon, including a Champions League hat-trick against Manchester City.
Gyokeres will wear Arsenal’s iconic number 14 shirt, previously donned by club legend Thierry Henry. His arrival brings Arsenal’s summer spending to nearly $267 million, joining a list of new signings including Cristhian Mosquera, Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard, and Noni Madueke. Club captain Martin Odegaard praised the new addition, calling Gyokeres “a very complete striker” and said he was eager to play alongside his fellow Scandinavian forward.
