January 22, 2026
World
World
TOKYO, Jan 22 — Japan has halted the restart of the world’s largest nuclear power plant just hours after it began, though the reactor remains “stable,” the operator said.
LONDON, July 27 — Arsenal have officially signed Swedish international striker Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting Lisbon, adding significant firepower to their frontline as they aim for a Premier League title push.
The 27-year-old forward, who led Sporting to the Portuguese league title last season with an impressive 39 goals and a Champions League hat-trick against Manchester City, has agreed to a five-year deal. The transfer is reportedly worth an initial £57.4 million (€65.7 million), potentially rising to £66.4 million with performance-based add-ons.
Gyökeres’ arrival brings Arsenal’s summer spending close to the £200 million mark. He is the sixth addition to Mikel Arteta’s squad this window, following the arrivals of defender Cristhian Mosquera (£13m), midfielders Martin Zubimendi (£60m) and Christian Norgaard (£10m), goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga (£5m), and forward Noni Madueke (£48.5m).
"Joining a club of Arsenal’s calibre is a huge step for me. With so many talented players around me, I believe I can reach even greater heights," Gyökeres said. "I’m really excited to get started."
The striker, who previously played in England with Brighton, St Pauli, Swansea, and Coventry City, described his return to the Premier League as a chance to prove himself. “It feels like a long time since I first came to England. I’ve grown a lot as a player, and now I want to show what I can really do.”
Gyökeres is expected to link up with his new teammates during Arsenal’s pre-season tour of Singapore and Hong Kong. The Gunners are set to face Newcastle at the Singapore National Stadium on Sunday, before wrapping up their tour against Tottenham in Hong Kong on July 31.
“I always want to score,” he added. “To do that for this club, wearing this shirt in front of the fans—it’s going to be an amazing experience.”
Arteta, who has been seeking a reliable striker after injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz last season, expressed confidence in his new signing.
“Viktor brings so many qualities. He’s fast, powerful, and has an outstanding goal record at both club and international level,” said the Arsenal boss. “We’re excited to see what he adds to the squad.”
Sporting director Andrea Berta has moved quickly to reinforce a squad that has finished Premier League runners-up for three consecutive seasons. In addition to new signings, Arsenal have also secured contract extensions for Gabriel and Myles Lewis-Skelly, with a long-term deal for promising teenager Ethan Nwaneri reportedly close.
Gyökeres’ signing is seen as a key move in Arsenal’s ambition to end their 20-year wait for a Premier League title and secure Arteta’s first major trophy since winning the FA Cup in 2020. — AFP
