Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany’s past comments on Viktor Gyokeres underline how much Arsenal now need him.
Arsenal are pushing to sign a striker in this summer transfer window.
Mikel Arteta clearly wants to add extra firepower to his squad. The Gunners tried to sign Benjamin Sesko earlier this summer, but have now pivoted to alternative targets after the Slovenian opted to remain with RB Leipzig.
One of those alternative targets is Viktor Gyokeres, who currently plies his trade for Portuguese outfit Sporting. Arsenal are pushing to sign Gyokeres in a deal that could be worth £85 million.
The Swedish striker’s stock is certainly high right now. He was in prolific form last season, as he racked up an astonishing 43 goals and 15 assists in 50 appearances, across all competitions.
Of course, it is extremely unlikely that the 26-year-old would be able to reproduce quite such eye-catching numbers for the Gunners, given the difference in standard between the Premier League and the top flight in Portugal, but Gyokeres has earned the right to test himself at the highest level and has all the attributes required to make the step up successfully.
Vincent Kompany highlighted quality of Arsenal transfer target Viktor Gyokeres
Back in January 2023, whilst Vincent Kompany was still at the helm for Burnley, and Gyokeres was leading the line for Coventry City in the Championship, the Belgian coach admitted his admiration for the striker.
As quoted by LancsLive at the time, having just seen his Clarets side struggle to contain the forward, Kompany said: “We have a backline that is usually really aggressive and able to recover the ball on the first moment of impact and with him it takes you two, three or even four times and even runs the ball down into the corner.
“Even then he is able to square you up and create threat towards goal. His final balls are good, not just where he has to shoot but how he brings other players into the game.”
What Gyokeres would bring to Arsenal
Kai Havertz’s is the Gunners’ first choice striker as things stand, and the German shares a number of qualities with Gyokeres. Both players offer a real physical presence and can hold up the ball at the top of the pitch, both offer intelligent movement, and are technically gifted enough to involve themselves in the build up play.
However, unlike Havertz or his Arsenal teammate Gabriel Jesus, Gyokeres is a killer in front of goal. He is the clinical finisher that Arteta’s side is crying out for.
Meanwhile, Arteta has hinted that Havertz may revert to a midfield role next season, which would create room in the side for Gyokeres to step in and lead the line.
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