‘He’s going to destroy you’ – Arsenal boss Arteta fires warning to PL defenders about new gunman Gyokeres

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has issued a fierce warning to Premier League defenders about the threat posed by new striker Viktor Gyokeres. 

Gyokeres praised by Cristiano Ronaldo has shown a glimpse of what he is capable as the Gunners wrapped up their preseason ahead of the new Premier League in style on Saturday.

Speaking to the media after Arsenal’s final preseason game against Athletic Bilbao, Arteta made it clear that Gyokeres is a force to be reckoned with.

Gyokeres, who recently joined Arsenal from Sporting CP, scored his first goal for the Gunners in the 34th minute of the preseason clash with a well-placed header, assisted by fellow new signing Martin Zubimendi. 

The 27-year-old’s goal came after two earlier appearances in defeats to Tottenham and Villarreal, during which he faced criticism and doubt from rival fans and pundits.

However, Arteta is confident in Gyokeres’ abilities and believes he will cause serious problems for defenders in the Premier League. 

“I think his goals, his threats, I think he pins both centre backs,” Arteta stated a Sky Sports video posted on X, formerly Twitter. 

“He’s a player that at the moment if you leave him with space, one against one, he is going to destroy you. So, he’s going to create a lot of space for us, and the moment that in any situation there is a player there that can score a goal,” the Arsenal boss added.

Arteta’s comments underline why he rates Gyokeres highly as a key player for Arsenal’s attacking line this season, expecting the striker to be a significant goal-scoring threat on the pitch.