Will Viktor Gyokeres play for Arsenal against Tottenham in North London Derby? Mikel Arteta reveals

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Arsenal fans may get their first glimpse of new signing Viktor Gyokeres in Gunners colours as the prolific Swedish striker is in contention to make his debut against Tottenham Hotspur in Thursday's pre-season friendly in Hong Kong.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta confirmed the possibility in his press conference on Wednesday, stating that the new signing may be in action for the first time against Arsenal's arch rivals.

"Yes, I understand he's only done today's session and yesterday, he did very little. We're going to assess how he is tonight. If the medical staff are happy as well with his condition to participate tomorrow night, it's a possibility. With the rest of the squad, everybody is okay," Mikel Arteta said.

The North London club completed a £63.5million deal for Gyokeres last week, concluding protracted negotiations with Sporting CP. Gyokeres-who will wear Arsenal's famous number 14 shirt, previously made iconic by Thierry Henry-joins after a sensational campaign in Portugal.

During the 2024/25 season, the 26-year-old scored 39 goals in just 33 Primeira Liga appearances, firing Sporting to their 21st league title. His haul included 27 non-penalty goals, the highest total in Europe's top 10 leagues-surpassing the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Robert Lewandowski, who both finished with 24 non-penalty strikes.

After a Premier League campaign in which no Arsenal player reached double figures for league goals, there is hope that Gyokeres can provide a much-needed focal point and clinical edge for Arteta's side as they aim to mount a stronger title challenge. The Gunners will be playing Tottenham in a North London Derby outside England for the first time.

After the Asia tour, Arsenal will continue their pre-season preparation at the Emirates Cup in London, where they will face La Liga sides Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao. Arsenal's season commences with a tough trip to Old Trafford against Manchester United in the opening weekend.