Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Magalhaes have become very close to each other at Arsenal, but that wasn’t always the case.
The Swede spent two seasons at Sporting CP before joining the Gunners. He was one of the best strikers in the world there, scoring 97 goals in 102 games.
When he was in Portugal, Gyokeres faced Arsenal and had a good game against William Saliba and Gabriel in the Champions League.
However, the Brazilian had the last laugh in that game, during which there was a heated exchange between the two players.
😂 Who is the biggest wind-up merchant in the Arsenal squad? Surely it has to be Gabriel Magalhaes?
Gabriel Magalhaes and Viktor Gyokeres clashed during Arsenal vs Sporting CP last season
Gabriel Magalhaes can be a feisty character on the pitch.
The former Lille man has developed into one of the best centre-backs on the planet, and almost every club in the world would love to sign him.
Even Real Madrid recently enquired about signing Gabriel – that’s how good he has been for Arsenal over the last few years.
His ability aside, another trait that Arsenal fans love about their number six is the way he gets under the skin of opponents.
Gabriel always mocks Richarlison after games against Tottenham, and although it does seem serious at times, it’s harmless.
While discussing the above, The Athletic’s James McNicholas, more popularly known as Gunnerblog to Arsenal fans, revealed that Gabriel and Viktor Gyokeres clashed before they became teammates as well.
He said on Arseblog: “I mean, an interesting case study is Gyokeres, isn’t it? In that they had a bit of beef around the Sporting game last season, and didn’t Gabi do a celebration that was sort of mimicking Gyokeres?
“Certainly, I heard that there were very strong words between them during that game.
“And then, as can happen in football, Gyokeres turns up at Arsenal, and they move on from it. I imagine it’s probably the same with Richarlison, where it’s kind of all’s fair and love and war, and then when they join up with the Brazil squad, they’re pulling in the right direction.”
Be honest: Did you think Viktor Gyokeres would join Arsenal when Gabriel mocked him with this celebration?
How Viktor Gyokeres responded to Gabriel stealing his celebration in 2024
Gyokeres has never been a player to shy away from a battle.
The Swede is always up for a challenge, and his attitude and the way he troubled Gabriel and Saliba during the game between Arsenal and Sporting may well have convinced Mikel Arteta to sign him.
After the game, Gyokeres was asked by the media for a reaction to Gabriel copying his celebration on the pitch.
The Swede replied: “Gabriel’s celebration? 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.”
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