Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes has branded Viktor Gyokeres as a “great player” ahead of a proposed transfer to the Gunners.
It comes as Arsenal are in talks to sign Gyokeres in a deal from Sporting CP, though discussions have been stuck in recent days.
The Gunners are keen to add a striker to the squad for Mikel Arteta, with the side lacking that clinical edge in recent seasons.
No striker in Europe has been as clinical as Viktor Gyokeres, who scored plenty of goals in Portugal and the Champions League.
He wasn’t quite able to do that against Arsenal, though, with Gabriel Magalhaes among the stars to keep him locked down last season.
Gabriel Magalhaes discusses Viktor Gyokeres’ impact amid Arsenal transfer talks
When Arsenal took on Sporting CP in last season’s Champions League encounter, plenty of talk surrounded Gyokeres.
The striker had managed to punish plenty of opposition in the competition, which included a goal glut against Manchester City.
However, Arsenal managed to silence the Swedish international, with Gabriel Magalhaes stealing Gyokeres’ celebration in the process.
Now, ahead of a potentially awkward reunion, Gabriel has discussed the star ahead of a potential move.
Speaking to The Athletic during Arsenal’s pre-season tour of Asia, the defender said: “For sure, when we played against him [Gyokeres], it was a big challenge for us.
“What we know now is that he’s a great player who definitely had a great season last year.”
While he noticed that challenge and the impact Gyokeres has had, there will be some hope that he can take that into next season if he joins Arsenal.
Gabriel Magalhaes backs Arsenal to win silverware
While Gyokeres could soon put pen to paper on a contract at Arsenal, his old foe has already done so at the club.
Gabriel Magalhaes signed a contract extension this summer to keep his future at the Emirates Stadium.
The Brazilian has been part of an unstoppable duo at the back with William Saliba, but he hasn’t had the silverware to show for it.
Speaking to The Athletic about the future, Gabriel claimed: “In the last few years, we were very close to winning things, and it ended up slipping away.
“But I have complete confidence in the club and everything they’re doing to help it grow, and I’m certain that this year we’ll be fighting again.”
That fight may be reinvigorated by the summer additions, with several new signings already made, while Gyokeres could follow shortly.
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