Viktor Gyokeres reaction to Arsenal star speaks volumes as £63.8m transfer nears

Viktor Gyokeres showed a relaxed and jovial nature when he suggested that Gabriel Magalhaes had stolen his trademark celebration last year.

Arsenal emerged triumphant with a commanding 5-1 victory against Sporting CP in a Champions League encounter last November, with Gabriel netting during added time at the end of the first half. Declan Rice delivered a precise corner into the penalty area, which Gabriel powerfully headed home before celebrating by placing his interlocked hands across his face.

Though Gyokeres is renowned for a comparable celebration where he covers his mouth with his hands, Gabriel chose to shield his eyes instead, appearing to reference the striker's iconic gesture with his own variation. Nevertheless, Gyokeres appeared unbothered by Gabriel's theatrical display following the match, telling ViaPlay: "Gabriel's celebration?

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"He's welcome to steal it if he can't create his own celebration! I didn't know he did that, but it's fun he likes my celebration."

According to reports, Gabriel selected the celebration as revenge for Pedro Goncalves copying Granit Xhaka's signature move during a Europa League penalty shootout between Arsenal and Sporting in 2023. Though there remains no official confirmation from Gabriel regarding whether this was indeed his motivation.

Gyokeres' nonchalant response to the celebration demonstrates his grounded and relaxed nature, despite recent backlash for pushing for a transfer to Arsenal this summer. To provide some background, Gyokeres declined to attend pre-season training with the Leoes while vowing never to play for his current club again.

With an impressive tally of 39 goals and eight assists contributing to Sporting's Liga Portugal title last season, the 27-year-old striker has become a hot prospect among Premier League clubs recently. The Swedish star initially found himself in demand by both Manchester United and Arsenal as the summer window opened, but was quick to show preference for the Gunners, who are currently in desperate need of a dedicated No. 9.

Mikel Arteta was compelled to resort to makeshift tactics for large parts of the 2024/25 season after Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz were ruled out due to injury, with midfielder Mikel Merino even having a stint up front. Determined to avoid a repeat scenario of being left without a striker in 2025/26, Arsenal have been heavily linked with securing Gyokeres' services over the past few weeks.

It seems that the Gunners are now on the brink of finally sealing a deal with Sporting for their star player, with reports suggesting that the two clubs have agreed a £63.8million move. It is reported that Arsenal will pay an initial £55.1m as a guaranteed fee, plus £8.7m in add-ons for Gyokeres, who is expected to undergo a medical in north London.

Should the deal go through, Gyokeres is anticipated to join the Gunners on their pre-season tour of Singapore and Hong Kong. Arsenal began their pre-season training with a 1-0 victory over AC Milan at the Singapore National Stadium on Wednesday, with Bukayo Saka scoring the decisive goal in the 53rd minute.

Arteta's team are now preparing for an exciting match against Newcastle United, who have travelled without Alexander Isak due to rumours of a potential transfer to Liverpool, at the same venue on Sunday. The north London club will then head to Kai Tak Sports Park for a game against Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday, before returning to the Emirates Stadium for a match against Villarreal on August 6.

Arsenal will face Athletic Club in the Emirates Cup final three days later, before shifting their focus to Manchester United on 17 August as they commence their 2025/26 Premier League season.