Viktor Gyokeres faces fire as Arsenal's new striker sparks debate

The Swedish striker, who netted an astonishing 97 goals in 102 appearances for the Portuguese side, arrived as part of a six-player recruitment drive to help the Gunners end their three-year streak as Premier League runners-up.

However, doubts linger among some former players about whether Gyokeres can deliver the goals Arsenal need to claim the title.

The Gunners have long sought a prolific centre-forward, with Kai Havertz leading the line last season. Gyokeres, known for his physicality and clinical finishing, was seen as the answer.

His debut goal in a pre-season friendly against Athletic Bilbao on August 9 sent ripples of excitement through the Emirates. Arsenal's official X account celebrated the moment, posting, "GYOKERES!! The Swede guides Zubimendi's cross home with an inch-perfect header" during the 2-0 victory.

Manager Mikel Arteta has been vocal about his new signing's potential. After the Bilbao match, he said, "He pins both centre backs. The moment you leave him with space one-on-one, he's going to destroy you. He's a player who can score a goal in any situation."

Arteta's enthusiasm was echoed by sources within the club, with journalist Graeme Bailey reporting on X, that Gyokeres had "blown coaches and teammates away" in training, with one insider describing the reaction to his performances as simply "wow."

Despite the hype, not everyone is convinced Gyokeres will thrive in north London. Former Brighton striker Glenn Murray, who played alongside Gyokeres during his time at the Seagulls, expressed skepticism.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Murray said, "I don't think Viktor Gyokeres is the one, it's such a big step. At Brighton, I never had him down as a 64-million-pound striker. He was alright, but I'm not sure he suits Arsenal's style."

Murray's doubts were compounded by former Arsenal defender William Gallas, who questioned Gyokeres' ability to adapt quickly to the Premier League's demands. Gallas said, "Strikers often take time to settle, and playing in Portugal is completely different from England. Arsenal need him to hit the ground running to win the Premier League. If I had to choose, I'd have gone for Alexander Isak, he's proven in this league."

Gyokeres, however, has shown early signs of silencing his critics. His goal against Bilbao, coupled with Arsenal's tactical shift to a more direct style to accommodate his strengths, suggests he could be a game-changer.

The 27-year-old, now wearing the iconic number 14 shirt once donned by Thierry Henry, brings a proven track record from Sporting, where he helped secure back-to-back Primeira Liga titles and a Portuguese Cup. His 54 goals in 52 games last season, including a hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League, underline his lethal finishing.

Arsenal's sporting director, Andrea Berta, praised the signing, saying, "Viktor has the qualities and winning mentality required of a top-level centre-forward. His physicality and work ethic make him a perfect fit."

As Arsenal prepare for the 2025-26 season, Gyokeres' arrival has ignited both excitement and debate. With the Gunners investing over 230 million pounds in new talent this summer, including Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke, the pressure is on for Gyokeres to prove he's the missing piece in their quest for Premier League glory.

Whether he can adapt swiftly and deliver remains the burning question for fans and pundits alike.

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