Arsenal’s central defender Gabriel Magalhães has sparked controversy with his choice of celebration following his goal against West Ham United on Saturday. Gabriel opened the scoring for Arsenal with a brilliant header from a trademark set-piece, and upon wheeling away in celebration, he performed an iconic gesture made famous by Viktor Gyokeres, a celebration that involves covering his face with both hands.
This move, however, stirred up debate after Gabriel used the same celebration in a match against Sporting CP earlier in the week, where he scored to give Arsenal a commanding 3-0 lead. Following that match, Micah Richards, a former player and pundit, publicly criticized Gabriel, suggesting that the celebration was intended to mock Gyokeres. The controversy deepened given that Gyokeres is currently linked with a potential move to Arsenal, as manager Mikel Arteta has been searching for a center-forward, and the Swedish striker fits the profile of the type of player Arteta targeted during the summer transfer window.
Upon learning of Gabriel’s post-match celebration, Gyokeres reacted by expressing his displeasure with the gesture, saying, “He’s welcome to steal it if he can’t create his own celebration.” Despite this, he acknowledged the situation with a lighthearted tone, adding, “It’s fun he likes my celebration.” Whether Gabriel’s gesture was meant as a tribute to Gyokeres or, as Richards suggested, a mockery, remains unclear.
The controversy over the celebration also raised questions about Arsenal’s pursuit of the striker. If the Gunners are serious about signing Gyokeres, they will face significant competition, notably from Manchester United. The Red Devils are reportedly keen on the Swedish forward, with strong ties between Gyokeres and United’s new manager, Ruben Amorim, making them the favorites to sign the player should he be available next summer. The situation continues to unfold as both clubs monitor the striker’s potential move.
