Pundit says Arsenal made a signing over the summer that could actually make them worse

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Arsenal made eight signings over the summer, spending in excess of £250 million in what was an unprecedented transfer window.

The Gunners finished second for the third consecutive season last term and had to respond to this disappointment by strengthening their squad.

Andrea Berta delivered, acquiring players for Mikel Arteta in almost every position across the ensemble.

Viktor Gyokeres arrived from Sporting CP for £63 million as the marquee addition, while the likes of Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze and Martin Zubimendi were also bought for significant fees.

• READ MORE: Confirmed Arsenal summer 2025 transfer ins and outs, signings and done deals

Nedum Onuoha says Viktor Gyokeres could make Arsenal worse

Gyokeres has struggled to an extent across his first three games as an Arsenal player.

Not managing a single shot in games away at Manchester United and Liverpool, the Swede has found it difficult to get involved in matches against high-quality opposition.

He did score a brace against Leeds in a game where he demonstrated some of his attributes regarding making direct runs in behind.

However, the 27-year-old’s teammates don’t appear to have become acclimatised to the way in which he plays yet, with the Gunners very used to having a striker like Kai Havertz who drops deep to facilitate build-up.

Speaking on the Ripple Effect Podcast, former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha raised this point, claiming Gyokeres’ differences to what Arsenal are used to could actually make the team worse.

“I’m conflicted here,” he said.

“I think Gyokeres is a really good player. But I think Arsenal’s system is what made them great.

“They made themselves hard to play against because of the way the collective understand each other, I think that if the balance isn’t right I don’t think you see the best football from Arsenal if they have that nine in there.

“I think it takes something particular to get the best out of the nine and everyone else at the same time.”

Viktor Gyokeres needs more time to prove himself

It’s still early days in Gyokeres’ Arsenal career.

Thus far, he’s scored twice in the one game the Gunners dominated possession and territory, and has merely been quiet in tough away games against better sides.

It’s worth noting that Hugo Ekitike was also quiet in the match at Anfield on Sunday, and that this wasn’t exclusively an issue with Gyokeres’ performance.

He’ll have to start producing more as he grows more accustomed to the physicality and intensity of the Premier League.

However, for now, he’s getting used to his new team, and they’re getting used to him, and Arteta will likely find a way to make the two merge effectively.