Gabriel Magalhaes admitted that Viktor Gyokeres is a ‘great’ player as the Sporting Lisbon striker inches closer to his move to Arsenal.
The Gunners have identified the Sweden international as their leading transfer target up front and have made huge progress in getting a deal over the line in recent weeks.
Agreeing personal terms has not been a problem with Gyokeres eager to join Mikel Arteta’s side and play in the Champions League next season.
But Arsenal are still to agree a fee with Sporting who are standing firm on add-on payments, refusing to be bullied into any deal.
Although the final terms are still expected to be ironed out in the coming days and weeks, Gabriel was unwilling to divulge much about his potential new signing teammate.
But it’s clear the Brazilian was impressed with what he saw when the two came up against each other in the Champions League last season.
‘We all know he is a great player, but he is a Sporting player not an Arsenal player,’ Gabriel said.
‘Playing against him last year was a challenge. He is great and had a great season.’
Arsenal have already enjoyed an active start to the summer window, with deals for Noni Madueke, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, and Kepa Arrizabalaga all wrapped up.
Gyokeres and defender Cristhian Mosquera are expected to be the next two signings through the door, with Gabriel pleased by the quality that has been added to their squad.
‘I think the players that came will help us out a lot,’ he said. ‘The club is doing what is best for the players and the manager.
‘They are definitely doing their best to bring the best players that can help us, but we have to focus on what we can do out on the pitch.
‘The players that are here are doing that. We are strong and we are getting stronger with these new players.
‘Definitely, it excites me. We want to have the best players. To be in the dispute for titles, you have to have the best players.’
Earlier in the summer, Gabriel urged Arsenal to pursue a deal for Rodrygo, who has been linked with the Gunners having fallen out of favour at Real Madrid.
Asked if he knows whether Arsenal will sign Rodrygo, the centre-back told the Podpah Podcast: ‘I don’t. No, I don’t, not really.
‘But I’d like obviously. Rodrygo is a phenomenon, for me. He’s not at Arsenal… If it depended on me, I’ve told people already, he’s a phenomenon.
‘‘His name is mentioned a lot. If it was up to me, of course [I would sign him].’
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