Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard will play a key role in Viktor Gyokeres’ introduction at the Emirates Stadium. The Norwegian has been sending personal letters to the Gunners’ new signings in a touching gesture, and will do the same for Gyokeres after his £55million switched was finally confirmed yesterday.
Odegaard was keen to introduce himself to Cristhian Mosquera when he joined Arsenal on Friday. The defender has been signed from Valencia for around £20m, and will provide competition to William Saliba and Gabriel. He joins Noni Madueke, Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard in moving to Arsenal as part of a busy summer, with Mikel Arteta desperate to finally land the Premier League title. The club’s flurry of activity has also kept Odegaard occupied, with the midfielder penning personal letters to each new signing.
Arsenal’s website shared his latest note to Mosquera, which reads: “Dear Cristhian, I’m very happy to have you with us. You’re a very talented player and I know you’re going to contribute a lot to the team. The group here is strong on and off the pitch and I’m sure you’re going to adapt very quickly. The fans, the energy, the way we play, this club is a very special place.
“If you need anything while you’re settling in, please do not hesitate to let me know. We have big goals this season and having key players like you is what’s going to help us achieve them. I’m really looking forward to seeing you in action and building something special together. I’m genuinely excited to play with you.”
Odegaard will now write a similar letter to the incoming Gyokeres. Arsenal have completed a deal for the 27-year-old, following a lengthy saga with Sporting. An initial £55million fee could rise to around £63m.
In his letter to Arsenal’s new striker, Odegaard will be determined to remind his newest team-mate of the high expectations in North London this season. Having spent much of last season without a recognised centre-forward, Arsenal will need Gyokeres to score the goals to fire them to their first trophy since 2020.
The Sweden international bagged a remarkable 97 goals in 102 appearances across his two years in Portugal. A seamless transition to the Premier League will ensure Arsenal have finally solved their scoring issues, which included the fewest goals of the teams who finished in the top three places last term.
Odegaard’s role in ensuring Gyokeres settles immediately could be crucial in ensuring the new signing starts next season in excellent form.