Sporting boss defends Viktor Gyokeres ‘weak’ point – it makes him even more perfect for Arsenal

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Mikel Arteta is in desperate need of a new striker at Arsenal.

Arsenal have lacked a cutting edge at times this season in the final third, and whilst Kai Havertz has generally led the line well, he is not the most prolific of goalscorers.

On top of that, Gabriel Jesus has been in woeful form for a long time. The Brazilian has not netted in the Premier League since January, and looks utterly bereft of confidence. 

Arsenal need to cut their losses on Jesus and seek some more meaningful competition for Havertz at the top of the pitch. 

Arsenal have been told to sign a striker, and bringing Viktor Gyokeres to the Emirates Stadium ought to be Mikel Arteta’s top priority in that regard.

• READ MORE: All Mikel Arteta signings at Arsenal ranked from worst to best

Sporting manager Joao Pereira defends Viktor Gyokeres flaw

The Sporting star has been in sensational form so far this season. The Swedish striker has already racked up 25 goals from just 22 outings, across all competitions.

Unsurprisingly, the 26-year-old is one of the most in-demand forwards in world football. Manchester United could rival Arsenal for Gyokeres’ signature. 

However, the player does have one perceived flaw, as Sporting manager Joao Pereira has been quizzed about his aerial ability.

The Portuguese coach was quick to defend his talismanic striker though, as quoted by Mais Futebol, he said: “I don’t know if his header is Gyökeres’ weak point. Even from corners he has been winning some important headers at the near post that didn’t result in a goal, but could have.”

Gyokeres will make Arsenal even stronger from set-pieces

Arsenal have been extremely effective from set-pieces, and Pereira’s observation about Gyokeres’ ability to connect with corners will be music to the ears of Nicolas Jover. 

The Gunners already carry plenty of aerial threat, with the likes of Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba, and Kai Havertz, amongst others, providing targets in the opposition box. Arteta certainly wouldn’t be averse to strengthening his hand further in this regard, though. 

Declan Rice has been hailed for his set-piece delivery, and Bukayo Saka is equally capable of causing issues with his corners. If this duo were given Gyokeres to aim for, the Gunners could become even more lethal in set-piece situations, on top of the significant extra goal threat that the striker would give the team in open play.