Mikel Arteta says new Arsenal signing Viktor Gyokeres learnt a lot in loan stint

Mikel Arteta believes the most transformative period in Viktor Gyokeres’ development took place when the Swedish striker was barely playing at all.

Arsenal summer signing Gyokeres joined Brighton in 2018, ultimately making just eight senior appearances – none in the Premier League – before he moved  permanently to Coventry in summer 2021 following a succession of loan spells.

The 27-year-old then blossomed over two seasons at Sporting Lisbon, scoring 97 goals in 102 appearances – a breakthrough, believes his new boss, inspired by his frustrating tenure with the Seagulls.

“That was probably the most important part of his career,” Arteta said. “When he had to accept a different role and don’t play and value other things,

“So he had to improve and evolve, and I think that’s the moment where he took the platform and went to another level. That’s sometimes very useful in your career at a young age.”

Gyokeres helped Sporting lift back-to-back Primeira Liga trophies, a national cup, and was the league’s top scorer in both campaigns. He has now made an early impression as a Gunner, scoring in their 3-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao.

Arteta agreed Gyokeres’ previous experience in England should speed up his integration.

He said: “I think it helps once you have lived in the country and experienced and understand the culture, the passion, the type of play, the demands, the intensity, the referees.

“There’s a lot of things that it’s good to experience before. Then he’s gone away to a different league, adapted to that, been very, very prolific.

“You just look at his body language, the way he talks, the way he carries himself. He’s a really confident boy, and I’m sure he will be very, very good for us.”

Arteta confirmed Gyokeres, who