‘Arsenal questioning Viktor Gyokeres deal with transfer decision now due’
Arsenal are closing in on Viktor Gyokeres, but questions have been raised over whether he is the right man for the Gunners.
Gyokeres notched an incredible tally of 54 goals in 52 appearances for Portuguese club Sporting last season appears set to lead the North London side’s frontline next season.
However, Arsenal were torn over Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko as Mikel Arteta looks to prepare his squad for next season’s Premier League title race.
The North Londoners have previously lacked an out-and-out striker, which has seen them miss out on silverware.
Arsenal could be worried Gyokeres isn’t the answer
Amid their previous interest in Sesko, Arsenal have taken their time to significantly step up their interest in Gyokeres.
Consequently, questions have been raised over whether the Emirates Stadium outfit are convinced he is the right man.
Speaking live on talkSPORT [7 July], Troy Deeney outlined: “I don’t think they’re sold on Gyokeres, I really don’t. Because you’d just go and get him. You get him done in the same way that Liverpool did with (Florian) Wirtz.
“They just went bang, go and get him, get it finished.
“I think they’re worried that he’s not the short-term answer or the long-term answer.”
Gyokeres will shine in the Premier League
Football Insider verdict
As alluded to by Deeney, Arteta may not be sold on Gyokeres, which is why the Gunners are yet to acquire his services, whereas the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City have been quick to complete marquee deals this summer.
| Viktor Gyokeres stats | All competitions 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 52 |
| Goals | 54 |
| Assists | 12 |
However, Arsenal should have no qualms over whether the Sweden international is the right man to help them over the line and beat the Anfield club as well as Man City to the Premier League title.
While there is a notable gulf in class between the English top-flight and the top tier of Portuguese football, Gyokeres notched more goals than he made appearances last season.
Furthermore, the former Coventry City man has proven that he can perform at an elite level by scoring six goals in eight Champions League appearances last term.
Meanwhile, thanks to his Coventry days, Gyokeres is used to operating in English football, further enhancing his chances of meeting the demands of the Premier League.