Viktor Gyokeres is ready for a huge first game in the Premier League, and it’s against Manchester United.
The Sweden striker joined Arsenal this summer from Sporting Clube de Portugal in a deal worth £55 million, plus £8.7 million in add-ons. Many thought he might join United, but he chose the Emirates instead. Now, his first league test will be against the very team that wanted him.
United also had their eyes on another striker, Benjamin Sesko. They finally signed the Slovenian forward from RB Leipzig for £66.4 million, plus £7.3 million in add-ons. Interestingly, Sesko was linked with Arsenal earlier in the summer, but the Gunners picked Gyokeres instead.
That decision means both new signings could face off in the very first game of the season. Arsenal will travel to Old Trafford on Sunday, August 17, with kick-off at 4:30 pm.
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Gyokeres already made an impression in Arsenal’s pre-season. He played in friendlies against Tottenham, Villarreal, and Athletic Bilbao, scoring his first goal in the 3-0 win over Bilbao to secure the Emirates Cup.
After the match, he posted on Instagram: “Great atmosphere and great support. Ready for Sunday.”
His former Sporting teammate, Pedro Goncalves, replied: “The show is about to start.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been full of praise for the 27-year-old: “His goals, his threat… when you leave him space, one against one, he will destroy you. He creates a lot of space for us and can score in any situation.”
But United’s new striker, Benjamin Sesko, is also full of confidence.
Sesko trained with his new United teammates for the first time on Sunday. The 21-year-old wants to help United climb back to the top: “We just need to grow together step by step… it’s only a matter of time before we can fly high again.”
When asked why he chose Old Trafford, Sesko said: “First of all, because of the club. It’s a historical club that is unbelievable. The team is getting better and better. It gives you this energy that you want to be part of.”
The young striker says his short time at the club has already been special: “I’ve been here for a couple of hours and it’s amazing. It feels like we’re going to be a great family.”
Standing at 6ft 5in, Sesko is United’s tallest striker since Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Zlatan just happens to be his childhood hero.
“He’s been my role model since I was small. I’ve watched every single YouTube video of him,” Sesko revealed.
But it’s not Zlatan’s off-field personality that inspires him most, it’s his style of play: “If you enjoy football, everything works. That’s what I learned from him.”
Sesko dreams of meeting Zlatan one day but has already tried to copy some of his game, especially the famous high kicks and powerful shots.
Other United legends have also inspired him: “Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney… I’ve watched them a lot. I want to help the club be as high as possible.”
With both strikers eager to prove themselves, all eyes will be on Old Trafford for Arsenal’s clash with Manchester United.
Gyokeres wants to show why Arsenal spent big on him. Sesko wants to prove he’s the future of United’s attack. And with both having a point to prove, Sunday’s game could be one of the season’s most exciting opening matches.
For Arsenal, it’s about making a statement. For United, it’s about starting their new era with a bang. And for the fans, it’s a taste of what could be a fierce new rivalry in English football.
