Alan Shearer reckons it’s clear Arsenal ‘paid too much’ for one summer signing

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Alan Shearer has come to one conclusion about one of Arsenal’s summer transfers after watching the Gunners beat Fulham.

Arsenal beat Fulham 1-0 at Craven Cottage to reclaim their place at the top of the Premier League table.

Mikel Arteta would’ve been delighted to see Liverpool lose to Manchester United, as the Gunners now sit three points clear at the summit. 

Arsenal had to dig deep to get the three points; however, it wasn’t all rosy, as Viktor Gyokeres’ scoring drought extended.

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Alan Shearer thinks Arsenal overpaid for Viktor Gyokeres

Gyokeres scored 97 goals over two seasons at Sporting CP, but since joining Arsenal, the striker has only found the net three times in his opening 11 appearances.

There’s pressure on the 27-year-old to rediscover his scoring form, which he’s actively trying to do, having fired three shots on goal against Fulham.

After the game, Alan Shearer assured that the goals would come for Gyokeres, but stated it’s clear that the Swede isn’t at the same level as the likes of Erling Haaland. 

Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Shearer elaborated on his thoughts about Gyokeres, where he shared his belief that Arsenal overpaid for the forward. 

“I think they’ve paid too much for him, I would say the same with Sesko at Man United,” Shearer began before actually praising the transfer.

“But I do think he brings something to the Arsenal team; he’s going to have to score more goals, definitely.

“I think one of his positives, one of his pluses for the Arsenal team, is that he runs in behind, which then will help to create space for others, but there’s no doubt he’s going to have to improve his numbers with scoring goals.”

Gyokeres cost Arsenal £63m in the summer window, a figure that Shearer believes was too high, despite the inflation in the European market.

There’s plenty of time for the Sweden international to turn opinions around, which many believe will happen as some of Gyokeres’ teammates think he can hit 40 goals.

Gyokeres’ market value – did Arsenal overpay? 

Shearer referenced Sesko in the debate, who cost Manchester United £74m.

When comparing the two, it’s clear to see why Andrea Berta was happy to close Gyokeres’ transfer for £63m, given that the Swede had scored 54 goals the season prior, compared to Sesko’s 21. 

Putting Man United’s transfer business aside, Berta had reason to believe that £63m was a fair price for Gyokeres. 

Based on his market value in the summer, as per Transfermarkt, Gyokeres was valued at £65m, just £2m more than the actual value of the transfer.

Arsenal will be satisfied with the deal, as it’s clear what the striker could offer when his confidence is rebuilt.