GOOD NEWS  LIVE: Viktor Gyokeres sends clear message to Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta in Champions League

Arsenal didn’t end up signing Viktor Gyokeres this summer to become their first-choice striker, and the 26-year-old has now proven what he can do on the top European stage

Arsenal transfer target Viktor Gyokeres let Mikel Arteta know exactly what he’s missing after scoring in the Champions League for Sporting CP.

The Spanish head coach ultimately opted against splashing the cash on a proven striker this summer after being linked with some big-name stars, including Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, new Al-Ahli forward Ivan Toney, and the goal-hungry Gyokeres.

Sporting faced a relatively tough task to open, facing Lille at home. But, it took just 38 minutes for Gyokeres to stamp his mark on the Champions League in a match that saw recent England debutant Angel Gomes sent off after accumulating two yellow cards inside just 40 minutes.

Gyokeres’ first Champions League goal in the 2-0 win came after a stunning start in his domestic league. The Swede has netted in every one of the Portuguese outfit’s first five matches, including a hat-trick against Farense and a double vs Nacional – making it eight goals in

He’s also firing internationally, having scored one and assisted two in Sweden’s UEFA Nations League clash with Azerbaijan and netting a brace in their following fixture against Estonia.

Arsenal’s interest in the star, now considered one of the best strikers in Europe, was highlighted earlier this summer when he was earmarked as a potential number nine who could help fire the Gunners to a league title.

His £86million release clause was, however, steep. Yet, Sporting seemed prepared to let Gyokeres go. Reports suggested that they would be willing to budge on the price tag, with some suggesting that a bid of roughly £70m could’ve completed the deal.

The Swedish ace scored his first Champions League goal against Lille

Preparations were even being made for the outcome that the Swede would depart Lisbon, too. Sporting reportedly paid a fee to Gyokeres’ former club, Coventry City, in order to reduce the sell-on clause percentage that the Sky Blues would receive should their ex-star be cashed-in on.

Alas, interest seemed to cool, and with the Gunners’ budget spent in other areas, Arteta all but shut down the possibility that a new marksman would be arriving after his side’s 2-0 opening day victory against Wolves, telling talkSPORT: “I have faith in [Havertz], we have faith in [Gabriel Jesus].