Viktor Gyokeres has been one of Europe’s most talked-about strikers in recent seasons, with the forward linked to a host of the continent’s elite clubs, and it looks like Arsenal are currently on the verge of agreeing a deal for the Swede.
The Gunners have been crying out for a clinical, physical number nine to spearhead their title charge – and Gyokeres may well prove to be the missing piece. Here are five reasons why he could well be the man to help end Arsenal’s 22 year English Premier League title drought:
Clinical Finishing
Gyokeres has developed into one of the most ruthless and clinical finishers in the world since joining Sporting Lisbon in the summer of 2023, with the striker boasting a breathtaking 97 goals in 102 appearances across all competitions for the Portuguese side.
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The striker has shown his ability as to serve as a potent poacher, strike from range or fashion himself a chance inside the box – making him a serious threat in every possible scenario.
This could be perfect for the Gunners, as Mikel Arteta’s men have been crying out for a consistent goalscorer that can spearhead their attack – evidenced by the fact that no Arsenal player managed to score double figure goals in the Premier League in 2024/25, with Kai Havertz leading their charts with nine goals.
Physical Presence
At 6’2” and with the strength to match, Gyokeres offers the exact kind of physical profile that could thrive in Arsenal’s current system.
Havertz and Mikel Merino have often been deployed as striker’s due to their height and ability to hold up the ball and combine with other players in the forward areas, and Gyokeres offers exactly that and more.
The Swede is able to hold off defenders, win aerial duels and bring others into play, while his pace and power is simply unmatched by anyone in the current Arsenal team – meaning the striker could challenge in the box to get on the end of crosses, help build patient play by dropping deep or spin behind defenders and use his pace to burst towards goal.
Tactical Fit
As already mentioned, Gyokeres perfectly matches and exceeds the physical profile of player that Arteta has been using up front in recent seasons, while the striker’s other traits also make him an ideal match for the Gunners.
Arsenal are one of the best teams in the world at pressing opposition players high up the pitch, and Gyokeres is one of the most hardworking and relentless pressers in world football – a match made in heaven.
Furthermore, the Gunners like to switch their play from patient build-ups to decisive counters, while they also thrive from corners and set-pieces, and these are all pieces of play where Gyokeres is at his best.
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Proven Pedigree
Many will argue that Gyokeres is only scoring such a vast amount of goals as he is able to bully the opposition in Portuguese football, especially as he plays for the best team in the league, but the striker has already proven that wrong by performing on the continental stage.
Gyokeres scored five in nine Europa League games in 2023/24 and netted six in eight Champions League matches in 2024/25, including a hat-trick against Manchester City in a brilliant 4-1 win in November. He also has experience scoring goals in England, helping an unfancied Coventry City side reach the EFL Championship play-off final in 2022/23, with 21 league goals.
That experience and pedigree on the continental stage will give Gyokeres the confidence he may need to thrive for Arsenal, while it could also help give the young Arsenal dressing room a boost as they attempt to compete on multiple fronts.
Mentality and Mettle
Finally, Gyokeres has shown both a strong mentality and real mettle while playing for Sporting Lisbon, often stepping up in key moments and leading by example.
No example shows this better than in the Taca de Portugal final, when Sporting were trailing Benfica 1-0 heading into the final minutes of normal time. It was at that moment that Gyokeres took charge, winning a penalty and stepping up to equalise in the 90+11th minute of the match – with Sporting going on to win 3-1.
That composure and leadership in crucial moments could prove key for Arsenal, with these undeniably being the qualities that the Gunners are crying out for as they look to take the next step and win the Premier League and other major trophies.
Gyokeres could make his Arsenal EPL debut vs Man Utd next month – bet on the action here!
