Arsenal’s long search for a reliable number 9 has finally ended with the signing of Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting CP in a deal worth up to £63.5 million. The 27-year-old Swedish striker, who has penned a five-year contract, arrives at the Emirates with a reputation as one of Europe’s most prolific forwards. His addition could be the key to solving Arsenal’s attacking woes and propelling them to their first Premier League title since 2004.
Gyökeres’ Career and the Road Back to England
Gyökeres’ career trajectory is nothing short of inspiring. Starting at IF Brommapojkarna in Sweden, he made his senior debut at 17 before moving to Brighton & Hove Albion in 2018. Loan spells at Swansea City and St. Pauli followed, but it was at Coventry City where he truly shone, netting 43 goals in 116 appearances.
His £20 million move to Sporting in 2023 proved a masterstroke. He plundered an astonishing 97 goals in 102 matches. Including 54 goals in 52 games last season, helping Sporting secure back-to-back Primeira Liga titles and a Portuguese Cup. His shot conversion rate of 28.4% rivals that of Erling Haaland’s record-setting 2022-23 campaign.
Solving the Guners’ Number Nine Engima
Arsenal’s attacking struggles have been well-documented. Last season, injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz left the Gunners without a recognised striker for significant periods. Arteta was forced to push midfielder Mikel Merino to deputise up top. The result was a team that scored 17 fewer goals than champions Liverpool. They finished second in the Premier League for the third consecutive year, ten points adrift.
While Jesus and Havertz brought versatility, neither provided the consistent goal threat Arsenal craved. Merino’s makeshift role only highlighted the urgent need for a natural centre-forward.
Coach Mikel Arteta has tried to solve the problem of up front, but he literally avoided adding a true forward. After the failed addition of Gabriel Jesus, he tried using Kai Havertz in multiple roles. While the German international did perform well at one point, he was not able to replicate the same efficiency during the entire length of the season.
Eddie Nketiah was sold to Crystal Palace, and experimenting with Raheem Sterling ended in complete failure. Wingers Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard had a decent output and flashes of brilliance. But ultimately, it was not enough as a true number nine was needed all along.
The Solution to Arteta’s Attacking Woes
Enter Gyökeres, a physical powerhouse who combines relentless running with intelligent movement and a knack for turning half-chances into goals. His ability to burst through defences and exploit high lines makes him a perfect fit for Mikel Arteta’s system. Evidenced by 23 goals from fast breaks last season.
Unlike Jesus, who often drifts wide, Gyökeres is a focal point who thrives in the box. Viktor offers a directness that Arsenal has lacked. His work rate and ability to link play will complement the flair of wingers like Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke. Their precise deliveries could set up Gyökeres for a glut of goals.
The Swede’s arrival signals Arsenal’s intent to finally get over the hump. Having finished runners-up in recent seasons, the Gunners have been tantalisingly close to Premier League glory. Gyökeres’ proven goalscoring pedigree, honed in Portugal’s competitive league, suggests he can provide the cutting edge needed to bridge the gap. His determination, shown by his refusal to consider any club other than Arsenal, adds a hunger that could galvanise the squad.
