Arsenal are preparing to take on Manchester United in the opening game of their Premier League campaign.
Mikel Arteta’s side are gunning for the title this season and know the importance of getting off to a solid start to build momentum and confidence.
Martin Zubimendi is fit to start against Manchester United after there were fears from Arsenal fans that he had picked up an injury in the build-up to the clash.
Troy Deeney thinks Arsenal are too reliant on Bukayo Saka to win the title this campaign and fellow pundit Alan Shearer has delivered his verdict on another important player for the Gunners this campaign.
Alan Shearer is ‘really interested’ in Viktor Gyokeres at Arsenal this season
Speaking on the latest episode of the ‘Sports Agents’ podcast, Shearer has claimed that he is ‘really interested’ in watching how some of the new strikers adapt to Premier League football this season.
The players in particular that Shearer highlighted were Arsenal’s new signing Viktor Gyokeres and former transfer target Benjamin Sesko.
Shearer stated: “Arsenal have bought Gyokeres to win the title basically. Man Utd have bought Sesko because they were rubbish last year and they both need a centre forward who is going to put the ball in the back of the net, not in two years time, not in three years time, but now.
“I think particularly those two because of the fees, because of the size of the football clubs that they’ve joined, then I’m really interested to see how they go.”
Gary Lineker has cast doubt over Gyokeres this season with the former England striker claiming the Swede will struggle against low defensive blocks.
Gyokeres was signed to help Arsenal overcome those tight clashes that they couldn’t get over the line in last season and the 27-year-old will be confident he can silence any doubters.
Viktor Gyokeres can replicate Alan Shearer’s style of play
Shearer still remains as the Premier League’s all-time top scorer and Gyokeres can look to replicate the former Newcastle striker given the similarities in their game.
Gyokeres is a natural goal scorer who possesses great ball-striking ability and intelligent movement in behind defences.
Shearer was the master of getting into the right positions and putting the ball in the back of the net and Gyokeres can learn from that this campaign.
He will of course be required to work hard under Arteta and he will be involved in the side’s build-up play, however, his main job is to be on the end of Arsenal’s supply line.
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