Arsenal star Gabriel mocks Man Utd transfer target during Champions League heroics

Gabriel Magalhaes rubbed salt in Viktor Gyokeres' wounds by mimicking the Sporting Lisbon star's patented celebration after scoring in Arsenal's impressive 5-1 win.

The Gunners made a storming start to their crucial Champions League tie in Portugal, with first half goals from Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz and Gabriel. Goncalo Inacio scored shortly after the break to give Sporting hope, only for Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard to pile more misery on the Portuguese champions late on.

It was Gabriel's goal, though, which effectively put the game beyond Sporting. And after powering home from a Declan Rice corner, the Brazilian defender celebrated in style.

His antics, which involved copying Gyokeres by holding both hands over his eyes, caused a stir online given the Sporting star's links to both Arsenal and Manchester United.

The Sweden international, 26, was heavily linked with the Gunners back in the summer transfer window, although the club eventually decided against signing a striker.

Unfortunately for Arsenal, interest in Gyokeres has only grown since then. And the fact that United have since poached Gyokeres' old boss, Ruben Amorim, from Sporting Lisbon could have them the edge in a transfer race.

Scouts from United and Manchester City were reportedly present at Tuesday night's match, where Gyokeres was starved of service for the majority of the evening. He struck the crossbar late on following a rare break forward from the hosts.

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Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images) Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Arsenal have struggled on the road in Europe but were in rampant form in Portugal. Arteta had stressed that his team needed to improve their away form if they were to advance to the latter stages of the new-look Champions League.

The Spaniard said: “It’s certainly something we have to improve. Not all the games have been the same. It’s true that within those games there were games that were when we had already qualified.

“Something that is very true is that we have to improve those results and we have to find ways to understand what has been missing. Sometimes it’s been performance sometimes it’s been other aspects. That’s the next step we have to make as a team.”

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