Despite ongoing rumors linking the Swedish international to a potential departure, he remains focused on the upcoming campaign as Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone maintains that his own forward, Julian Alvarez, is not for sale.
Gyokeres Highlights Physical Gains After Pre-Season
Viktor Gyokeres has credited a complete pre-season for his current physical state, telling reporters he feels “much, much better” than he did 12 months ago. According to reporting from The Standard, the forward arrived at the club last summer short of match sharpness due to a prolonged transfer saga that prevented him from training with his former team, Sporting CP.
The striker has already logged significant minutes this summer, featuring in matches against Girona, Real Betis, and Borussia Dortmund. During the Emirates Cup loss to Dortmund, Gyokeres played 78 minutes and opened his account for the summer by converting a penalty after teammate Christos Tzolis was fouled. He noted that the extra weeks of preparation have been vital for his conditioning, allowing him to feel “very, very good physically” heading into the new season.
Did you know?
Viktor Gyokeres joined Arsenal from Sporting CP last summer, but his debut season was hampered by a delayed arrival that limited him to only three pre-season friendlies.
Transfer Speculation and the Julian Alvarez Situation
While Gyokeres prepares for the upcoming season, speculation regarding his future persists amid reports of a potential swap deal involving Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez. Some social media claims have suggested that personal terms have already been agreed upon between Alvarez and Arsenal, following the club’s unsuccessful attempt to sign Vinicius Junior from Real Madrid.
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has moved to dismiss these rumors. Speaking to reporters, Simeone stated, “The situation is very clear.” He emphasized that the club’s leadership, specifically Miguel Angel, had already clarified their position. “We are very happy with Julian,” Simeone added, noting that the club intends to help the Argentine striker continue his development following his two-year tenure in Madrid.
Comparison: Pre-Season Readiness
| Metric | Last Summer | Current Summer |
|---|---|---|
| Training Status | Missed sessions due to transfer saga | Full pre-season participation |
| Match Fitness | Short of sharpness | “Very, very good physically” |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Viktor Gyokeres leaving Arsenal?
While reports have linked Gyokeres to a potential summer exit involving a swap for Julian Alvarez, there is no official confirmation of a transfer, and the player is currently participating in Arsenal’s pre-season preparations.
What has Diego Simeone said about Julian Alvarez?
Diego Simeone has publicly stated that Atletico Madrid is “very happy with Julian” and that the club is focused on helping him improve, effectively labeling him as not for sale.
How does Gyokeres’ current fitness compare to last year?
Gyokeres told reporters he feels “much, much better” this year because he has had more weeks of training compared to last summer, when his arrival was delayed by a prolonged transfer process.
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