Gyökeres completed a £64M move from Sporting CP last week as manager Mikel Arteta listened to fans’ pleas to sign a world-class striker that will boost Arsenal’s attack and take the side to the next level after having to rely on the likes of Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus for a number of years.
Liverpool scored 17 goals more than Arsenal in 2024/25 as they cruised to the title and Arsenal are taking no chances after signing Gyokeres who found the back of the net 54 times last season for Sporting CP and will hope to replicate that form in the Premier League.
Saliba, one of the world’s most highly rated defenders, faced Gyokeres last season in Europe and backed the Portuguese international to not only perform in England’s top division but to scare defenders who he thinks are not ready for him.
“We know how good he is, it’s scary to play against him.
“Of course, I’m so happy to have him in my club, and I’m sure that he will help us to win games and win trophies.”
He continued: “Why scary? Because when you face a striker who scores goals, you have to be focused! But now he’s in our team and he will score for us, so that’s good.”
Reports in Spain have said Real Madrid are keen on signing the 24-year-old defender who Arteta will be hoping to keep but no bids have been made yet. Asked whether he will sign a new contract, Saliba calmly said:
"Yeah, hopefully. Of course, there is nothing now but there is a good conversation with my agent and the club. Let's see."
Arsenal now head to Hong Kong to face rivals Tottenham where fans will hope to see Gyokeres start his first game and hopefully his first goal against their North London rivals who have beaten Reading but drawn to Wycombe Wanderers and Luton Town already in preseason.