Arsenal’s hunt for a new striker is almost over as the Gunners close in on Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres.
After scoring 54 goals for his club over the 2024/25 season, it’s no wonder that Arsenal are charmed by the Sweden international.
That being said, Gyokeres wasn’t always Arsenal’s first choice, as Benjamin Sesko is still loved by Mikel Arteta.
Gyokeres is seen as the more experienced option to Sesko, which has led Andrea Berta into negotiations to sign the Swede, who is thought to be on his way to North London for a medical.
Arsenal’s internal doubt about Viktor Gyokeres
The 27-year-old has everything that Arteta needs, being a physical number nine who scores freely.
Like every transfer link, there are pros and cons to Arsenal signing Gyokeres, with discussions happening between fans, pundits and those at the club.
Though Arsenal’s move for Gyokeres is in its final stages, there are still reservations about the striker around N5.
Speaking on the matter was journalist Sami Mokbel, who told the Latte Firm podcast about how Arsenal view Gyokeres as a player.
“They were really impressed by the numbers, and of course, a club the size of Arsenal would always look at those numbers and watch the player to the nth degree, really.
“They thought he was a good player. They thought he was a very good player.”
Mokbel noted that there was a ‘concern’ about how Gyokeres’ scoring form would carry over from the Portuguese top flight to the Premier League.
“But what there was concern about was how those numbers, and they are excellent numbers, how they would translate given that he’s playing in the Portuguese league, with all due respect to the Portuguese league, how that would translate into Premier League football?
“I guess, and I know we are quite blinkered when, with regards to watching Premier League football, but we would recognise as the strongest or at least one of the strongest in the world, certainly in European football, so there is an element of the unknown with it.”
It’s understood that despite the deal gathering speed and nearing completion, there has been a ‘degree of internal doubt’ regarding the adaptation period Gyokeres might need.
“I think there has been a degree of internal doubt as to whether he is going to need time to acclimatise to the English top flight.”
Gyokeres’ scoring record against clubs in Europe’s top five leagues
The Premier League is unforgiving, and many who have come after searing seasons abroad have struggled in England.
An example would be Antony’s form at Ajax, and then on loan at Real Betis, while he struggled to do anything at Manchester United, Arsenal will certainly hope that Gyokeres isn’t another case of such.
There’s hope, as the Swede has played in England throughout his career, paving his way to the top in the Championship with Coventry City.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 10 | 6 | 2 |
Additionally, Arsenal won’t be going in blind with Gyokeres, as the striker has proven himself against opponents within Europe’s Top Five Leagues.
In European competitions, the 27-year-old has found the net against Premier League, Bundesliga, Ligue 1 and Serie A opposition, a valuable section of his CV.
It will be fascinating to see how Gyokeres hits the ground in the Premier League after such a remarkable scoring season in Portugal.
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