Arsenal Kickstart Season with 3-0 Thrashing of Athletic Club**

Arsenal have set their sights on the upcoming Premier League season with a powerful 3-0 victory over Athletic Club in their final pre-season friendly at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

The Gunners' new £63.5m striker, Viktor Gyokeres, marked his second appearance at the Emirates with a superb header in the 11th minute, setting the tone for an emphatic win. The Swedish forward, who joined from Villarreal, was assisted by Martin Zubimendi, and his powerful header left Athletic Club's goalkeeper Simon with no chance.

Arsenal doubled their lead just two minutes later when Gabriel Martinelli's clever flick found Bukayo Saka, who tapped in from close range after Simon had rushed out of his goal. The home crowd was in raptures, and the goals continued to flow in the second half.

Despite a flurry of chances, it was Kai Havertz who sealed the victory with a clinical finish in the 74th minute. The German international, who replaced Gyokeres, showed great composure to round off a fine team move and send the Arsenal faithful into delirium.

Mikel Arteta, the Arsenal manager, was full of praise for Gyokeres and his new team-mates. "Everything he does is on instinct," Arteta said of Gyokeres. "He is a player that the moment you leave him with space one-on-one, he is going to destroy you." The Spanish manager also highlighted the importance of the team's collective effort, stating, "Raising the level of everybody is going to really help us, because at that level, we are going to need our very best from everybody."

With the Premier League season kicking off next weekend, Arsenal will travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United. The victory over Athletic Club has provided a significant boost to the team's confidence, and they will be eager to carry this form into the new season.

The Gunners' impressive pre-season campaign has also raised questions about Arteta's starting lineup for the opening fixture. With both Gyokeres and Havertz in fine form, the manager has a tough decision to make regarding his strike force. Regardless of the starting lineup, Arsenal fans will be hoping for more of the same as they embark on their quest for silverware.