Mikel Arteta explains why Arsenal were so determined to finally complete Viktor Gyokeres deal

Mikel Arteta has lauded the signing of Viktor Gyokeres after Arsenal confirmed the £63.7million transfer. The Sweden international has signed a long term deal with the Gunners after participating in one of the transfer sagas of the summer.

Gyokeres, 27, went on strike in order to try force Sporting CP into accepting a lower transfer fee that he claimed they had agreed today. This led to the Portuguese club's president Frederico Verandas releasing a stunning statementsaying he would not be blackmailed.

Ultimately, Gyokeres' agent Hasan Cetinkaya — a key figure in the disagreement — decided to waive his fee so that Arsenal could come to an agreement with Sporting.

But Gyokeres offers the north London side something they have seemingly lacked for much of Arteta's tenure in charge — a goalscorer. The ex-Coventry and Brighton forward bagged 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting and Arsenal will hope he can replicate that kind of form in the Premier League.

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"We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Viktor Gyökeres to the club," Arteta said. "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. We welcome Viktor and his family to Arsenal."

Sporting director Andrea Berta offered a similar number of superlatives for their new signing. The Italian outlined three areas that makes Gyokeres an ideal addition to Arsenal's vision and believes the forward will have an impact on and off the pitch.

"We are so pleased with the excellent deal we have completed to bring Viktor Gyökeres to the club," he said. "Viktor is an exceptional talent and has consistently demonstrated he has the qualities and winning mentality required of a top-level centre-forward. His physicality, intelligence and work ethic make him a perfect fit for our vision.

“We are confident Viktor will have a major impact on the pitch and become an important figure in our dressing room. Welcome, Viktor!”

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