Sporting Lisbon’s Swedish forward #09 Viktor Gyokeres reacts after converting a penalty to score … More
Arsenal is expected to finally add a new centre forward to its squad. This is the position most supporters have wanted filled for seasons. Many believe it’s the only player the Gunners are lacking with some arguing Mikel Arteta’s team will be favourites to win the Premier League title now that it boasts an orthodox attacking frontman.
Viktor Gyokeres will be that frontman with the Swedish striker expected to complete a switch to North London from Sporting CP any day now. Arsenal has agreed to pay €73.5m for the 27-year-old who scored an incredible 54 goals in 52 games last season, leading many to believe he will give his new team a similar sort of cutting edge.
LISBON, PORTUGAL – NOVEMBER 05: Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP scores his team’s third goal from the … More
Dig a little deeper into Gyokeres’ impressive numbers, though, and there might be some cause for concern from an Arsenal point of view. While Gyokeres was a goal machine for Sporting CP last season, just four of his goals came against teams in the top half of Liga Portugal. The rest were against opponents in the bottom half.
12 of Gyokeres’ goals also came from the penalty spot. The Swede proved his worth in the Champions League, scoring six times in just eight games in the competition last season. Nonetheless, there reasons for Arsenal to doubt that Gyokeres will be able to carry over his goalscoring prowess into a stronger league like the Premier League.
Of course, Gyokeres doesn’t need to hit 54 goals in a single season to be successful for Arsenal. The Gunners simply need a different option in the final third to round out their squad. It’s not even certain that Gyokeres will start ahead of Kai Havertz, the adaptable German forward widely seen as one of Arteta’s favourites.
SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE – JULY 23: Martin Zubimendi of Arsenal passes the ball during the Pre-Season … More
Gyokeres isn’t the only signing Arsenal has made this summer. Martin Zubimendi arrived from Real Sociedad to give the Gunners more quality in central midfield. Christian Norgaard joined from Brentford to provide depth following the exit of Thomas Partey at the end of last season. Noni Madueke is another new addition, given Arsenal another option on the wings.
No new signing made by Arsenal this summer, however, will be scrutinised like Gyokeres’. The Swedish striker has arrived in North London under pressure to be the final piece of Arteta’s puzzle. In many ways, the success or failure of Gyokeres’ first season in English soccer will define Arsenal’s 2025/26 campaign as a whole. The Swede must deliver.