Arsenal have finally completed the blockbuster signing of their top striker target, Viktor Gyökeres, in a deal worth a reported £55 million. With the Gunners set to face Premier League rivals Newcastle United in a pre-season friendly in Singapore today, the big question on every fan’s mind is: will they see their new star in action?
The club has confirmed that the answer is no. While the new signing has flown out to Singapore and will be present at the National Stadium for the friendly, it has been officially stated that he will not play a part in the match against Newcastle.
Instead of making his debut on the pitch, it is expected that the new No. 14—who will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of Thierry Henry—will be officially unveiled to the traveling Arsenal supporters in attendance, giving them their first chance to welcome their new hero.
However, fans won’t have to wait very long to see him play. Gyökeres is now likely to make his unofficial Arsenal bow this coming Thursday in a match held in Hong Kong.
His first appearance for the club will be a momentous occasion. He is set to feature in the first-ever overseas North London Derby against arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur, promising a memorable and high-stakes start to his Arsenal career, even for a friendly.
After the clash with Spurs, Arsenal will return to north London for home friendlies against Villarreal and Athletic Club before their Premier League campaign kicks off with a huge fixture against Manchester United on August 17.