Arsenal defender William Saliba has issued a clear warning to the Premier League, declaring that new signing Viktor Gyökeres will be a formidable force in the upcoming season. The Frenchman, who battled the Swedish striker in Arsenal’s 5-1 thumping of Sporting CP last November, admitted he is relieved the prolific forward is now on his side.
“We know how good he is, it’s scary to play against him,” Saliba said during Arsenal’s preseason tour in Singapore. “Of course, I’m so happy to have him in my club and I’m sure that he will help us to win games and win trophies.”
The 24-year-old centre-back described Gyökeres as a relentless goal-scorer who demands unwavering focus from defenders. “When you face a striker who scores goals, you have to be focused! But now he’s in our team and he will score for us, so that’s good,” Saliba added
Viktor Gyökeres Begins Arsenal Adventure in Asia
Viktor Gyökeres, who joined Arsenal from Portuguese side Sporting CP for an initial €63 million—potentially rising to €73.5 million with performance-based add-ons—has already linked up with his new teammates on the club’s preseason tour of Asia.
The 26-year-old forward landed in Singapore last week and is expected to begin full training immediately ahead of Arsenal’s final tour game against arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur in Hong Kong on Tuesday. Manager Mikel Arteta has expressed high hopes that Gyökeres can become the “transformative” striker Arsenal need to end their long wait for silverware.
Gyökeres enjoyed a blistering 2023/24 campaign with Sporting, scoring 43 goals in all competitions and earning a reputation as one of Europe’s most clinical finishers. His arrival brings added firepower to an Arsenal side already boasting attacking talent in Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, and Leandro Trossard.
Title Ambitions Renewed as Gunners Eye Premier League Crown
Following back-to-back near misses in the title race, Arsenal are determined to go one better in the upcoming season, and Saliba believes the club is finally ready to deliver. “Every year is different. We have to learn from the last three seasons,” he said. “Our mindset is to win the Premier League and we will give everything from the first game.”
With six new signings, including Dutch midfielder Jerdy Schouten and Spanish left-back Miguel Gutiérrez, Arsenal’s squad looks deeper and more balanced than ever. The addition of Gyökeres could be the final piece in Arteta’s puzzle, particularly with the Gunners returning to Champions League action in September.
“The team is getting stronger, and we are lucky to have a chance to compete again,” Saliba stated. “We have a lot of new players and they will hopefully help us to win this league.”
Contract Talks: Saliba Hints at Arsenal Extension Amid Real Madrid Links
While speculation has grown over a possible move to Real Madrid, Saliba has attempted to quell the rumours by confirming that talks over a new deal with Arsenal are progressing positively. The defender is entering the final year of his current contract but expressed optimism about staying in North London.
“Yeah, hopefully,” he said when asked about the chances of a renewal. “Of course, there is nothing now but there is a good conversation with my agent and the club. Let’s see.”
Sources close to the club have told ESPN that Arsenal are confident of reaching an agreement with the France international, who has become a cornerstone of their defensive unit since his breakthrough campaign in 2022/23.
Arsenal’s Final Tour Test Against Spurs Sets Stage for New Era
As Arsenal wrap up their Asia tour with a high-stakes clash against Tottenham Hotspur in Hong Kong, all eyes will be on Gyökeres if he is fit enough to make his unofficial debut. The preseason fixture offers a tantalising preview of what the Gunners’ revamped attack might look like with their €73.5m man leading the line.
Arteta is expected to rotate his squad but could give Gyökeres a brief cameo to ignite fan excitement ahead of the Premier League’s opening weekend. The fixture against their North London rivals could also serve as an early test of Arsenal’s title credentials.
For Saliba and his teammates, the message is clear: the time for talk is over. With renewed belief and a potent new weapon in Gyökeres, Arsenal are aiming to end their 21-year wait for the Premier League title.
