Viktor Gyokeres says he is in far better physical condition heading into the new campaign than he was twelve months ago, crediting a complete pre-season programme with Arsenal for the improvement, even as transfer chatter continues to swirl around the club regarding a potential deal for Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez.
The Swedish striker arrived at the Emirates Stadium last summer from Sporting CP following a lengthy and complicated transfer saga that left him short of fitness. Because he was unable to train fully with his former club during the negotiations, Gyokeres only managed to feature in three pre-season friendlies before the season began, a situation he has now put behind him.
"I feel much, much better than probably last pre-season," Gyokeres told reporters. "I've had more weeks now and it feels very, very good physically."
The forward also reflected on the experience of returning to competitive action in front of Arsenal's supporters, describing the reception as a highlight even though the result did not go the way the team wanted.
"It was amazing to be back and to feel the atmosphere and see the fans again but of course we wanted a result as well," Gyokeres added.
With many of his teammates only now returning to training following their involvement in the World Cup, Gyokeres struck an optimistic tone about the squad's overall readiness for the challenges ahead.
"I think we're in a good stage, everyone is coming back now from the World Cup so I'm sure we're going to be ready for everything that comes," he said.
His comments come at a time when speculation linking Arsenal with a move for Alvarez has intensified, with reports circulating on social media suggesting the Argentine international has already reached personal terms over a switch to north London. Any such deal would represent a significant statement of intent from Arsenal, who have been searching for additional attacking reinforcements.
However, Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone was quick to dismiss the idea that his club would be willing to part with Alvarez, insisting the forward remains a central figure in his plans and that the matter has already been settled internally.
"The situation is very clear," Simeone told reporters. "The club took a decision which Miguel Angel explained well. We are very happy with Julian."
The Atletico boss went on to stress the club's commitment to supporting Alvarez's continued development, praising the impact he has made since joining from Manchester City.
"From the sporting side of things, we will help him keep growing and improving so that he can give us what he has given us over these two years at the club so far, which was a mountain of things," Simeone added.
Alvarez has established himself as one of Atletico's most important attacking players since his move from City, and Simeone's remarks suggest the Spanish club has no intention of entertaining offers despite the growing noise around a possible Arsenal move.
For now, Arsenal's immediate focus appears to be on getting Gyokeres up to full speed after his disrupted introduction to English football last season. Should the transfer links with Alvarez gain further traction, it would add an intriguing new dimension to Arsenal's attacking options, though Simeone's firm stance suggests any deal would be far from straightforward to complete.
Based on reporting from standard-football.