Viktor Gyokeres reportedly set up a company in London almost two weeks before his move to Arsenal was finalised.
The Gunners’ interest in the prolific Swede had been obvious from the start of the summer window, but negotiations over a deal went on for weeks.
Amid interest from rivals Manchester United, the delays must have left Arsenal supporters wondering whether they’d ever finalise a deal, let alone complete a transfer in time for next season.
But it seems for the man himself the move was never in-doubt, as Gyokeres registered a new London-based promotions company 10 days before he signed on the dotted line on July 26, according to The Times.
The company was set up on July 16 and is expected to handle the striker’s image rights income.
Its title, VG9 Productions Ltd, takes inspiration from Gyokeres’ initials and the number he wore during his two seasons at Sporting Lisbon.
Viktor Gyokeres reportedly registered a company in London 10 days before his Arsenal move was complete
The business is called VG9 Productions Ltd and takes inspiration from the No 9 he wore at Sporting Lisbon
It was thought that the Swede would have preferred the No 9 at Arsenal – currently occupied by Gabriel Jesus – but later expressed his desire to follow in the footsteps of Thierry Henry with No 14.
After completing his £64m move last weekend, Gyokeres jetted off to Asia to meet his new team-mates on their pre-season tour of Asia.
His debut came on Thursday against rivals Tottenham Hotspur, with the frontman afforded 20 or so minutes off the bench as he builds his fitness ahead of the new season. Arsenal begin their campaign with a difficult away fixture at Old Trafford on August 16.
He signs with a heap of expectation on his shoulders after slotting home an incredible 97 goals in 102 appearances in Lisbon.
The Gunners’ longing for a proven frontman has been well-documented amid the struggles of Gabriel Jesus since his move from Manchester City.
Mikel Arteta expressed his delight that he and club officials finally got their man last week, saying: ”We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Viktor Gyokeres to the club. The consistency he has shown in his performances and availability have been outstanding, and his goal contributions speak for themselves.
‘Viktor has so many qualities. He is a quick and powerful presence up front, with incredible goalscoring numbers at club and international levels.
‘He brings a clinical edge with a high conversion rate of chances into goals, with his intelligent movement in the box making him a constant threat.
Gyokeres signs with a heap of expectation on his shoulders after slotting home an incredible 97 goals in 102 appearances in Lisbon
Mikel Arteta said he was ‘delighted’ to have finally sealed a deal for the Swede last weekend
‘We’re excited about what Viktor brings to our squad and are looking forward to start working with him. We welcome Viktor and his family to Arsenal.’
Sporting Director Andrea Berta added: ‘We are so pleased with the excellent deal we have completed to bring Viktor Gyokeres to the club.
‘Viktor is an exceptional talent and has consistently demonstrated he has the qualities and winning mentality required of a top-level centre-forward.
‘His physicality, intelligence and work ethic make him a perfect fit for our vision. We are confident Viktor will have a major impact on the pitch and become an important figure in our dressing room. Welcome, Viktor!’
