Mikel Arteta has refused to confirm whether Viktor Gyokeres will feature in Arsenal’s next pre-season clash in Singapore which will be played on Sunday against Newcastle United, despite growing belief the striker is close to joining the squad. The Swedish international continues to dominate the club’s transfer discussions, with multiple new signings already through the door in recent weeks.
Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Christian Norgaard, and Kepa Arrizabalaga have all completed moves to north London this summer. Now, Gyokeres and young defender Cristhian Mosquera are expected to arrive next and likely before the weekend.
Arteta avoids naming Gyokeres in Singapore press conference
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Following Arsenal’s pre-season win over AC Milan in Singapore, Arteta was asked directly whether local fans can expect to see Gyokeres in action. The manager’s response was swift but cautious: “You know that I’m not going to speak about certain players that are not with us yet.”
The club’s official website echoed the same line in its transcript of the press conference, though noticeably, it referred only to “new arrivals on the tour,” omitting Gyokeres’ name entirely. That small edit hasn’t gone unnoticed by fans and reporters alike, given how central the striker has become to the club’s transfer narrative.
Why Gyokeres is the headline name this summer
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According to TBR Football, both Gyokeres and Mosquera could be available for Arsenal’s next match. But there’s no doubt which name is creating all the buzz. The Swedish forward was one of Europe’s standout goal-scorers last season at Sporting, and his arrival would instantly elevate Arsenal’s title credentials.
Jose Mourinho even weighed in on the forward’s potential Premier League impact this week.
“Gyokeres is a great player, I have no doubt about that,” he said in an interview with Canal 11. Mourinho praised the striker’s physical presence and influence at Sporting, while admitting that adapting to the Premier League will be a new challenge.
What it means for Arsenal’s attacking future
If Gyokeres does sign and the mood around the club suggests it’s close, Arsenal will be adding a striker with elite-level finishing, strength, and pressing intensity. That’s exactly the kind of presence Arteta has been missing up front, especially in big matches where efficiency is key.
Arteta’s silence might be tactical, but the signs are clear: the deal is progressing, the player wants the move, and fans in Singapore could get their first glimpse of a €63.5m plus €10m signing this weekend, if all goes to plan.
