Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal: “Better Now” – Inside the Transfer Drama That Shook Sporting and Excited Gunners Fans

Viktor Gyokeres is finally an Arsenal player, and his first two words say it all: “Better now.” 

The Swedish striker made that short but powerful statement in a behind-the-scenes video during his official unveiling at the Emirates Stadium. After months of drama, delay, and tension behind closed doors, Gyokeres has put pen to paper and joined Mikel Arteta’s team in a massive £55 million transfer, potentially rising to £63.5 million. 

Arsenal fans had waited patiently, and sometimes impatiently, for a top-level striker to arrive. When the club announced the deal, excitement exploded across social media. The club shop saw a rush of Gyokeres jersey sales, especially after he picked the legendary No. 14 shirt, once worn by Thierry Henry. 

But while fans celebrated, few knew just how difficult and emotional this transfer really was for Gyokeres himself. 

Behind closed doors, the 27-year-old striker had grown increasingly frustrated with his situation at Sporting Lisbon. Despite scoring a jaw-dropping 97 goals in 102 games and helping the club win back-to-back Portuguese league titles, Gyokeres felt trapped. 

He believed he had a gentleman’s agreement with Sporting that would allow him to leave for around £58 million if a major European club came calling. But when Arsenal made their approach, the Portuguese club changed their stance, pointing to the striker’s £86 million release clause and refusing to negotiate. 

This change caused serious tension. At one point, Gyokeres even threatened to go on strike, refusing to show up for pre-season training to push for his dream move. 

While Arsenal began talks with Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig, Gyokeres feared his window was closing. But when those talks with Sesko hit a wall, Arsenal returned to Sporting with a renewed offer. 

Still, it wasn’t smooth sailing. The negotiations dragged on for weeks. Arsenal fans grew restless. Sporting fans felt betrayed. And Gyokeres was left hanging, neither fully with his old club nor officially a Gunner. 

Finally, Sporting lowered their demands. Arsenal stayed firm and pushed the deal over the line. And now, at long last, Viktor Gyokeres is officially part of Arteta’s title-chasing side. 

His short reply, “Better now”, during the media shoot says more than a long press statement ever could. It captures the relief, the excitement, and the emotional rollercoaster he’s just survived. 

For Mikel Arteta, this deal represents much more than just signing a striker. Gyokeres is seen as the final piece in the attacking puzzle, a fast, strong, and lethal finisher who can lead the line and unlock defences. 

The Swede’s numbers speak for themselves: 54 goals in 52 appearances last season. He brings physical presence, smart movement, and clinical finishing to a team already filled with talent like Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and Gabriel Martinelli. 

Speaking during his official interview, Gyokeres didn’t hide his admiration for Arsenal. 

“I know [Arsenal], I’ve watched them before,” he said. “So they didn’t have to sell it for me. I was already excited about it. To come here was a really big thing for me, to be honest.” 

That attitude is exactly what Arteta wants. The manager has always looked for players who match the club’s energy and values, hard work, hunger, and humility. Gyokeres, with his quiet confidence and deep desire to succeed, fits that mold perfectly. 

Sporting director Andrea Berta was also involved in pushing this deal forward. According to sources close to the club, both Berta and Arteta played a key role in convincing Gyokeres that Arsenal was the right place to take his career to the next level. 

The deal may have taken time, but the wait could be worth it. Arsenal are not just getting a proven goalscorer, they’re getting a leader, a fighter, and someone who truly wants to wear the shirt. 

In the weeks ahead, all eyes will be on Gyokeres as he adjusts to Premier League football. But if his smile during the Arsenal video shoot is anything to go by, he’s not worried. He’s ready. 

For fans still buzzing from the signing, those two words, “Better now”, feel like the start of something special.