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Forget Viktor Gyokeres, Joe Cole claims Arsenal should’ve signed £65m striker instead

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Viktor Gyokeres is the player that Arsenal are now hoping will end their striker problems, along with their Premier League title drought.

The Swedish international was heavily linked with a return to England, with two successful seasons in Portugal under his belt.

While his goal-scoring ability stands out, Arsenal were not only looking at Viktor Gyokeres as an option to secure their frontline.

Plenty of other number nines were on the market too, with Joe Cole pinpointing one that the Gunners should’ve signed instead.

TNT Sports Pundit Joe Cole is seen prior to the Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and Liverpool FC at Selhurst Park.
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images

Joe Cole claims Arsenal should’ve signed Victor Osimhen instead of Viktor Gyokeres

Arsenal’s signing of Gyokeres has brought about plenty of attention as a major gap in the team has finally been filled.

Now, the hope is that the 27-year-old can hit the ground running to prove why he made the big-money move.

A frustrating debut for Gyokeres against Man United has left fans wanting a bit more from him and the team as a whole.

However, for Joe Cole, he wasn’t the striker Arsenal should’ve landed, as he believes Victor Osimhen would’ve been a better fit.

He told Hayters: “I think this might be this might be Arteta’s best chance he’s had [to win the Premier League].

“I think he’s got a centre forward in, but there’s still a question mark because it’s not like you’re bringing in a player like if if Arsenal would have gone and signed Osimhen, who I’ve seen do it in Italy and and in Turkey, and you know with this kid [Gyokeres] there’s still a question mark.

“I think he’s going to be alright, I think he’ll score goals.”

While Arsenal opted for Gyokeres, Osimhen ended up moving for a similar sort of transfer fee, joining Galatasaray for roughly £65 million from Napoli.

It remains to be seen how both will perform, but there may be one clear reason the Gunners made their decision.

Viktor Gyokeres looks deflated after being substituted during Manchester United v Arsenal in the Premier League clash.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images

Viktor Gyokeres’ injury history compared to Victor Osimhen

Arsenal’s injury issues have been well-documented over the past year, with several big absences causing some problems for the side.

Managing to land those players who are robust and can handle the twists and turns of the footballing schedule is important.

In comparing the two, it’s clear that Gyokeres can, while Osimhen hasn’t so far.

StatisticViktor GyokeresVictor Osimhen
Injuries323
Games missed594
Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres injury records compared – via Transfermarkt.

For such a busy season, Gyokeres can be a reliable source of goals and minutes as well.

This makes him the perfect candidate for the run ahead of the Gunners.