Arsenal's rumored target Viktor Gyokeres, the Sporting Lisbon Swedish forward, has caused a raised eyebrow or two according to former-Arsenal skipper William Gallas, who believes that the £58m-rated striker would find the strain of the Premier League too intense.
Speaking with Slingo, Gallas struck a cautionary note, believing the pressure of being at a prominent Premier League team like Arsenal might make Gyokeres "crumble".
"Arsenal still have the same issue – they need a 20-goals-a-year striker on a consistent basis," Gallas stated.
"Gyokeres has done that in Portugal, although the Premier League is a different beast. It's a big step up."
Premier League Adjustment Questions
Gallas then questioned whether the 26-year-old could rise to the challenge:
“Can Gyokeres handle the Premier League? That’s the key question. He’s talented, but I’m not convinced he can become one of Europe’s elite strikers. If he joins Arsenal, the pressure will be like nothing he’s experienced before.”
“We’ve seen it many times – a player shines at a smaller club, then struggles under the spotlight at a bigger one. At Arsenal, he’d carry a weight of expectation he’s never had before.”
Arsenal’s Interest Remains Strong
Despite doubts, Gyokeres remains high on the Gunners' list. Manager Mikel Arteta and newly appointed sporting director Andrea Berta are both reported to be huge fans of the player. Even Berta has reportedly initiated proceedings for a possible transfer.
Gyokeres' Track Record
The Swedish striker has been a red-hot proposition for Sporting Lisbon, finding an astonishing 60 goals in just 61 Liga Portugal matches. He has also impressed on the Champions League stage, and several view him as a fine tactical addition to Arteta's side.
Although fans are divided regarding his prospect in England, the majority agree that the pace and physicality of the Premier League is a sizeable leap beyond Portugal's top flight.
England Experience in the Past
It's interesting to note that Gyokeres already has some experience playing in England—though fleeting. He played just four times in the League Cup with Brighton, but acquitted himself adequately over two years at Coventry City in the Championship. His 21 goals in 49 appearances during the 2022/23 season showed his ability to take the rough and tumble of English football in his stride.
Physical in stature, fleet, and strong in hold-up play, Gyokeres could be a natural candidate in the Premier League. His intelligent off-the-ball movement would bring an additional attacking aspect to Arsenal, increasing space and room for other players.
Decision Time for Arsenal
At 26 years of age, Gyokeres has yet to hit his peak and still has time to develop with proper tutelage. Arteta could deem now as the perfect moment to sign him. However, Arsenal are tracking other candidates like Newcastle's Alexander Isak and Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig.
Everyone is keeping an eye on Arsenal as the summer window approaches and it remains to be seen which way they will turn to bolster their attack.
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