Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has sent a strong warning to Premier League rivals, declaring that his new striker, Viktor Gyokeres, “can destroy you.”
Speaking after Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Athletic Club on Saturday, where Gyokeres netted his first goal for the club, he praised the Swede’s instinctive style of play. Gyokeres opened the scoring by rising highest to head in a pinpoint cross from Martin Zubimendi.
The £63.5m signing almost doubled his tally after the break, but his shot was tipped onto the post by goalkeeper Unai Simon.
With preseason now complete, Arsenal will open their Premier League campaign against Manchester United next Sunday. Arteta is confident Gyokeres will be a major threat this season.
“Everything he does is on instinct. That’s why he’s scored so many in the last few seasons,” Arteta said.
“He pins both centre backs. The moment you leave him with space one-on-one, he is going to destroy you.”
