Sporting CP send seven-word Viktor Gyokeres message after Arsenal transfer confirmed

Sporting Clube de Portugal have sent a message to Viktor Gyokeres after his move to Arsenal was confirmed. The 27-year-old striker was heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium for much of the summer, and Andrea Berta has finally wrapped up a deal.

football.london understands that Arsenal reached a verbal agreement with Sporting on Tuesday afternoon. The week prior, the Gunners had agreed a deal in principle worth €63.5 million (£55m), plus €10m (£8.7m) in add-ons, before Berta and the Portuguese outfit discussed the payment structure.

And, in a post on X, the Liga Portugal club simply tweeted a video of the forward with the caption: "One of the best in our history."

READ MORE: Sporting CP release Viktor Gyokeres statement confirming transfer details with Arsenal

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While the Arsenal sporting director worked hard to finalise the transfer, it is understood that Sporting had been fielding approaches from other clubs. Manchester United were considered a potential suitor, as were teams in the Saudi Pro League.

However, Gyokeres' stance was always set in stone: he only wanted to join the Gunners. He follows the signings of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke and Cristhian Mosquera.

Mikel Arteta will hope to have Gyokeres by his side as soon as possible, with some difficult pre-season friendlies on the horizon. The Gunners will face Newcastle United in Singapore on Sunday before heading to Hong Kong to take on Tottenham Hotspur.

A week or so in advance of Arsenal's clash against Manchester United on the opening day of the new Premier League season, they'll host Villarreal and Athletic Club at the Emirates Cup. Arteta has been re-energised by the new faces in his squad.

"It’s like shaking the tree again," said the Spaniard, shortly after landing in Singapore on Sunday. "Bringing new faces, they bring new excitement, new energy as well.

"We signed very important players as well. I think everybody feels that the heights have to go to different level and it’s what we are seeking."

Arteta added: "Exciting. You see the club ownership and ambition we have, the alignment we have with everybody in the board and with everybody connected with Andrea. There is an excitement about the new season. Super positive about it."

This is a developing news story that will be updated with relevant information as we get it. More to follow...