"Only thing I need": Viktor Gyökeres sends message to Martin Ødegaard ahead of Tottenham game

Arsenal recently secured the long-awaited signing of Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting CP.

The Sweden international had a phenomenal 2024/25 season with 54 goals and 13 assists at club level.

He comes to the Gunners with high expectations. Fans could get a first glimpse of him playing in Sunday’s north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur in Hong Kong.

Gyökeres has been included in the squad for the pre-season friendly at the Kai Tak Sports Park, and it remains to be seen whether the striker makes a cameo appearance.

Ahead of the game, Arsenal posted a video of Gyökeres reading Martin Ødegaard’s welcoming message, he revealed: ‘If there’s anything you need or any way I can help, just give me a shout.’

In response, Gyökeres said: ‘The only thing I need is some assists’.

Gyökeres’ response will undoubtedly impress the club’s faithful. The 27-year-old has scored a staggering 97 goals in the last two seasons for the Portuguese champions.

He will face a sterner challenge in the Premier League with the Gunners. Gyökeres will have to cope with a higher intensity and physicality compared to the Primeira Liga.

Despite this, he has made a good first impression with his words. Ødegaard did not have the best of campaigns at Arsenal last term following a lengthy ankle injury.

However, the Norwegian showed signs of returning to his best during the final weeks and will be aiming to start the new campaign on a strong note with goal involvements.

The lack of an elite goalscoring striker has been an underlying issue for the Gunners. Gyökeres’ arrival is a big boost, and he could benefit from Ødegaard’s creativity next term.

The Swede was in a strict individual training plan before joining Arsenal, but he could be limited to a short cameo at best during the first-ever north London derby outside of the UK.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

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