BREAKING NEWS: Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke has expressed his disappointment with Mikel Arteta for allowing a prolific goal-scorer to leave the club on a free transfer. The player has outperformed even Kai Havertz, amassing 15 goals and assists in just seven matches since departing Arsenal.
Arsenal may have missed a golden opportunity to secure one of Europe’s emerging talents before the competition for his signature becomes too fierce.
Manager Mikel Arteta and Arsenal’s Director of Football, Edu Gaspar, chose to pass on signing Viktor Gyökeres during the summer transfer window due to his high price tag. Despite their hesitation, Gyökeres is already proving his worth early in the 2024/25 season, demonstrating why he was valued so highly.
Arsenal may soon regret their decision to pass on Gyökeres, as his impressive performances continue to turn heads. According to football insider Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners decided against pursuing the Swedish striker, deeming his £86 million release clause too steep. Romano noted, “Arsenal might add another offensive player, but not one as costly as Viktor Gyökeres. They’re likely to go for a different type of player, possibly a new winger, to provide fresh options behind Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.”
Romano’s insight proved accurate, as Arsenal instead opted to bring in Raheem Sterling on loan from Chelsea. However, with the season now in full swing, Arsenal may be reconsidering their decision not to go after Gyökeres.
Gyökeres has made a sensational start to the 2024/25 season, scoring seven goals and delivering three assists in just five appearances for Sporting CP. He continued his prolific form on the international stage, scoring three goals and providing two assists in two UEFA Nations League matches for Sweden. This brings his season tally to an astounding 10 goals and five assists in just seven games.
These outstanding numbers come on the heels of a remarkable previous season, during which Gyökeres scored 43 goals and contributed 15 assists in 50 games. Such a record makes Arsenal’s reluctance to pursue him all the more puzzling and difficult to defend.
Though Arsenal missed out on Gyökeres this summer, another opportunity to sign the Sweden international could arise. With top European clubs like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City already well-stocked with elite strikers—Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane, and Erling Haaland, respectively—the competition for Gyökeres may not be as intense next summer.
Should Arsenal struggle to find a dependable No. 9 this season, Mikel Arteta might consider triggering Gyökeres’ £86 million release clause in the next transfer window. Gyökeres’ clinical finishing ability could be the key to securing vital points in difficult matches, especially when Arsenal’s overall play may not be at its best.