Viktor Gyokeres has revealed that he wanted to join Arsenal ahead of Manchester United after facing Mikel Arteta’s side in the Champions League last season.
Arsenal have finally completed their move to sign the striker from Sporting CP after agreeing a deal worth €63.5m (£54.8m) up front, plus €10m (£8.6m) in add-ons.
Gyokeres, who travelled to London on Friday and completed his medical on Saturday, has signed a five-year contract with the Gunners and will wear the iconic No.14 shirt.
The 27-year-old had also attracted interest from Manchester United and could have linked back up with Ruben Amorim following their time together at Sporting.
However, Gyokeres turned down United’s approach and was adamant about joining Arsenal after going on strike at Sporting earlier this month.
Get personalised updates on Manchester United every day
Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro’s Football Newsletter.
Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link so we can send you football news tailored to you.
Gyokeres will now his new Arsenal teammates in Singapore for their pre-season tour of the Far East.
‘I just felt that it was the right club for me,’ Gyokeres said in an interview with Arsenal.com.
‘What I heard from Mikel and Andrea when I was speaking with them, and just what I’ve seen in the past years, how they’ve been playing football.
‘When I was playing against Arsenal last season, I could really feel it was a very strong team and very difficult to play against.
‘That made me choose Arsenal, and of course all the history the club has and the massive fanbase.
‘It’s been amazing to see all the support that they have already given me before I even arrived. That’s what it’s all about. It’s going to be very nice to see them in the stadiums as well.’
Gyokeres also insists he has ‘improved a lot’ since struggling to make an impact at Brighton earlier in his career.
‘To be a part of this club and to score in this kit and with this badge in front of all the supporters, I can’t wait. It will be an amazing feeling,’ Gyokeres said.
‘I started here [in England], it feels like a long time ago. I think I’ve improved a lot since then. Now I want to prove myself for real and perform together with the team.
‘It’s a big honour to play for your country, and then to score goals for them is amazing. When I played at Sporting, I scored a few goals in the Champions League so I feel that I can be on that level as well.
‘Now to come here to a club on Arsenal’s level, I think it’s going to help me perform even better with all the amazing players in this team. I’m really excited to get going.’
After announcing their deal to sign Gyokeres on Saturday evening, Arteta said: ‘We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Viktor Gyokeres to the club. The consistency he has shown in his performances and availability have been outstanding, and his goal contributions speak for themselves.
‘Viktor has so many qualities. He is a quick and powerful presence up front, with incredible goalscoring numbers at club and international levels. He brings a clinical edge with a high conversion rate of chances into goals, with his intelligent movement in the box making him a constant threat.
‘We’re excited about what Viktor brings to our squad and are looking forward to start working with him.’
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.