Arsenal’s marquee signing of Viktor Gyokeres has generated plenty of excitement, but not everyone is convinced the Swedish striker will immediately solve the club’s long-standing need for a prolific goalscorer in the biggest matches.
Despite arriving from Sporting CP with an impressive scoring record, some analysts believe his performances against top opposition warrant closer examination.
Record-Breaking Season Earned Arsenal Move
The Gunners secured Gyokeres from Sporting CP in a deal worth £64 million after the striker enjoyed a sensational campaign in Portugal.
The Sweden international scored 54 goals in 52 appearances across all competitions, establishing himself as one of Europe’s most productive forwards.
His outstanding form convinced Arsenal to make him their long-awaited No. 9 as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his attack ahead of the new season.
Statistics Raise Concerns Against Stronger Opponents
While Gyokeres’ overall numbers are eye-catching, his performances against Portugal’s strongest clubs have attracted scrutiny.
During the 2024/25 Primeira Liga season, he found the net just twice in eight league matches against Benfica, Porto, Braga and Santa Clara.
Although he finished as the league’s top scorer with 39 goals, much of that tally came against teams lower down the standings, prompting questions about whether he can consistently deliver in high-pressure fixtures.
Lineker Calls Transfer a Risk
The debate over Gyokeres’ potential was also discussed on The Rest Is Football podcast, where former England striker Gary Lineker described Arsenal’s move as something of a gamble.
Although some of the statistics initially mentioned during the discussion were later found to be inaccurate, the broader concern remained whether the striker can replicate his remarkable scoring form against elite opposition in England.
Richards Sees the Missing Piece for Arsenal
Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards acknowledged that doubts exist but believes Gyokeres brings qualities Arsenal have lacked.
Richards described the Swedish forward as an intelligent striker capable of making dangerous runs behind opposing defenses, adding that his movement could significantly improve Arsenal’s attacking threat.
He admitted hold-up play may not be Gyokeres’ strongest attribute but argued his pace and positioning make him an ideal fit for Arteta’s system.
Arteta Already Adjusting Arsenal’s Approach
Arteta has reportedly begun tailoring Arsenal’s tactics to maximize the new striker’s strengths, encouraging his players to move the ball forward more quickly to exploit Gyokeres’ ability to attack space behind defenders.
The tactical shift comes after Arsenal’s contrasting record against different levels of opposition last season.
The Gunners averaged 2.05 goals per game against teams in the bottom half of the Premier League table but managed only 1.55 goals per match against top-half opponents, winning just one-third of those fixtures.
Champions League Display Offers Encouragement
Despite concerns over his domestic record against Portugal’s strongest teams, Gyokeres has shown he can produce on major European nights.
One of the standout moments of his campaign came in the Champions League, where he scored a memorable hat-trick against Manchester City.
Arsenal will hope that level of performance carries over to Premier League clashes against title rivals as they look to mount another serious challenge for domestic honors.
