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Viktor Gyokeres' training ground behaviour shows new 64m Arsenal man's true colours

Viktor Gyokeres sealed his 63.7million move to Arsenal on Saturday, with the Sweden international's hard work finally earning him a crack at the Premier League

[Sporting's Swedish forward #9 Viktor Gyokeres (R) kicks the ball during a training session on the eve of their UEFA Champions League football match between RB Leipzig and Sporting CP ]

Viktor Gyokeres finally clinched his long-awaited move to Arsenal(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Viktor Gyokeres' fiercely competitive attitude in training is sure to thrill Arsenal fans following the official announcement of his much-anticipated transfer.

The Swedish player officially became a Gunner on Saturday in a 63.7million deal from Sporting CP. The 27-year-old found himself at the heart of one of the summer's most talked-about transfer dramas, which resulted in him failing to return to training with the Portuguese champions as he had his sights set on a move to north London.

After weeks of negotiations, hampered by delays due to disagreements over the structure of add-ons, progress was finally made this past week. This marks Gyokeres' return to England after a two-year absence.

The forward will wear the iconic No. 14 for the Premier League team, stepping into the shoes of club legend Thierry Henry. As recently as 2023, Gyokeres was playing in the Championship with Coventry City, but his intense determination and ambition were evident even while competing in English football's second tier.

Ben Sheaf, former Arsenal graduate and current Coventry midfielder, spent two-and-a-half years playing alongside Gyokeres, speaking highly of his ex-team-mate's drive to better himself.

"When he came [on loan from Brighton], he was in and out of the team and showed glimpses of quality," Sheaf shared with The Athletic. "He signed permanently after the first loan, and he came back having put more muscle on and was even more physical.

"He was relentless with how much he practised. He'd do a lot of finishing drills after training. I remember once in training, we did 11-v-11, and the ball got thrown into him when I was playing against him.

[Viktor Gyokeres celebrates scoring for Coventry City ]

Gyokeres signed for Sporting from Coventry City in 2023(Image: Matthew Lewis/Getty Images.)

"He pinned and rolled me, and I just couldn't do anything about it. That was the first time I remember thinking, 'Blimey, this is what opposition teams are going to feel.' That was the first time I felt his physicality."

Gyokeres' competitive streak often transpired into arguments during training matches. "He was always ultra-competitive in training," Sheaf confessed. "He'd throw his toys out of the pram if we didn't win a small-sided game.

"He's a serious guy until you get to know him and he opens up. He's a good lad but he'd be arguing in training, always wanting to win and doing finishing drills after - absolutely t**ting balls in."

[SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE - JULY 27: Viktor Gyokeres of Arsenal applauds supporters prior to the Pre-Season Friendly match between Arsenal FC and Newcastle United at National Stadium on July 27, 2025 in Singapore. (Photo by Pakawich Damrongkiattisak/Getty Images)]

The Swede will wear the No. 14 for Arsenal(Image: Pakawich Damrongkiattisak/Getty Images)

Arsenal's sporting director, Andrea Berta, pinpointed Gyokeres' winning mindset when talking about the deal he masterminded to bring the Swede to north London. "We are so pleased with the excellent deal we have completed to bring Viktor Gykeres to the club," the Italian said.

"Viktor is an exceptional talent and has consistently demonstrated he has the qualities and winning mentality required of a top-level centre-forward. His physicality, intelligence and work ethic make him a perfect fit for our vision.

"We are confident Viktor will have a major impact on the pitch and become an important figure in our dressing room. Welcome, Viktor!"

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