Arsenal were credited with an interest in signing Viktor Gyokeres in the recent summer transfer window.
Arsenal were linked with a host of strikers throughout the summer.
It was clear at the start of the transfer window that signing a striker was on the agenda for the Gunners. Arsenal tried to sign Benjamin Sesko, but were turned down by the Slovenian target man who ultimately opted to remain at RB Leipzig.
After that rejection, the likes of Ivan Toney, Victor Osimhen, and Viktor Gyokeres were repeatedly named in connection with the North London club. However, Mikel Arteta never made a concerted effort to secure the services of any of this trio.
Eventually, on Transfer Deadline Day, Arsenal bolstered their attacking contingent with the signing of Raheem Sterling. The 29-year-old arrived on a season-long loan deal from Chelsea, and will offer extra cover in the wide areas, but the 82-cap England international does not provide another alternative to lead the line.
As things stand, Kai Havertz is the club’s first choice striker, and he has started the new season in fine form. However, the German is not the most prolific of goalscorers. He will face competition for his place from Gabriel Jesus, but the Brazilian is likewise capable of being wasteful in front of goal.
What’s more, Jesus is currently sidelined by injury, and has had campaigns decimated by fitness concerns in the past.
Viktor Gyokeres speaks out after Arsenal links
Gyokeres, meanwhile, has maintained his sparkling form from last season into the new campaign.
In five outings for Portuguese side Sporting, he has racked up seven goals and three assists. Last time around, he ended with a tally of 43 goals and 15 assists from 50 appearances.
In a recent interview with Sport Bladet, the Sweden international discussed his future, having decided against pushing for a move away from Sporting this summer.
He said: “I enjoy Sporting very much, so for me it was no problem to stay… But we’ll see what happens next window… Of course, you aim to test other leagues and a higher level, but I have no stress.”
Will Arsenal regret not pushing for Gyokeres?
Arsenal admire Gyokeres, but opted to focus their attention and funds on other parts of the squad this summer.
However, if he keeps up his current form then he surely won’t remain at Sporting for too much longer.
If the 26-year-old could translate anything like the form he has produced in the Portuguese top flight to the Premier League then he would be a sensation at Arsenal.
In any case, whilst Jesus impressed in pre-season, if Arteta can’t get him firing on cylinders again soon then pressure on Havertz will continue to mount and the decision to not bring in another striker option in the shape of Gyokeres will quickly come to be seen as a regrettable and enormous opportunity missed.
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