Arsenal finished second in the 2024/25 Premier League season, but they would’ve been able to pose a bigger title challenge to Liverpool had they featured a reliable option to lead the attacking line.
That’s not a secret, and it’s also the main reason why the Gunners are desperate to add a proven, world-class striker during the summer transfer window before the start of the 2025/26 campaign.
Sporting director Andrea Berti has narrowed the shortlist down to three names.
When Viktor Gyökeres scored a hat-trick vs Man City. 🔥pic.twitter.com/E872eLBkin
— AfcVIP⁴⁹ (@VipArsenal) July 6, 2025
The club have been linked with Viktor Gyökeres, Benjamin Sesko, and Ollie Watkins – reportedly in that order. However, all signs point to the Emirates Stadium outfit getting ready to make a move for the Swedish international. Talks are progressing in the right direction, and according to reports from London, the deal is likely to be completed in the coming days.
Adding Gyökeres would be a massive boost for the team. But how exactly can he strengthen Arsenal’s attacking line for the 2025/26 season? Let’s dive into the numbers and the tactical analysis to find out.
What Does Gyökeres Bring to the Table?
First and foremost, Gyökeres isn’t just a competent striker. He’s been one of the most prolific, in-form forwards in world soccer over the last two seasons.
He bagged 35 goals across 46 matches and 3,927 minutes in all competitions for Sporting CP in the 2023/24 season. He ended up being even more clinical in 2024/25, averaging over one goal per match after netting 52 times in 49 outings across all tournaments.
The numbers don’t lie. Gyökeres is a player who’s ready to feature in one of the best leagues in the world.
People will make fun of the Portuguese league as always,
However it is worth noting Sporting had only won the league once in the past 20 years before 23/24.
Viktor Gyökeres joined and they have now won 2 consecutive league titles for the first time since the 1950s pic.twitter.com/Dg8r1LeHis
— Stompey🇸🇪 (@stompey__) July 7, 2025
But he’s not the kind of striker who scores against minnows. One of his best individual performances came during the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League, when he scored a hat-trick against none other than Manchester City. Over his two years at Sporting, the Sweden international has notched 87 goals and 25 assists in 95 appearances.
Gyökeres brings goals to the table, but he’s not just a finisher. He can drop deeper and link up with his teammates, coming out of the box to get involved in the playmaking if needed.
That’s an often overlooked trait of his game. His ability to move in and out of the penalty area draws the opposing centre-backs out of position, which allows him to penetrate and find spaces inside the box thanks to his above-average acceleration on short spurts.
Viktor Gyökeres and Arsenal, here we go can be very soon. ❤️🤍💣 pic.twitter.com/T0ObBNr978
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 6, 2025
In short, Gyökeres may not hit 30 goals a season in Arsenal, but he’s going to be a considerable upgrade compared to the other in-house options Arteta has. He’s a better finisher than the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz. And having him lead the attack wouldn’t force Arteta to play Mikel Merino as a striker, as he did in the 2024/25 season.
How Would Gyökeres Fit in Mikel Arteta’s Tactics?
From a tactical perspective, Gyökeres would be an excellent addition not only to Arsenal but also to any contending team in a top European league. His ability to play with his back to the goal is elite, but since he also possesses above-average speed and acceleration for someone his size, he can muscle defenders or blow past them with equal ease.
🚨 The Arsenal delegation working on a deal for Viktor Gyökeres has returned to London without an agreement with Sporting. Although it’s a short distance separating the clubs, there has been no approach from either side to find a resolution. [@Record_Portugal] pic.twitter.com/szarbYN81H
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) July 9, 2025
That’s a trait that could do wonders at Arsenal. The Gunners have an abundance of creativity in midfield and attack, and Gyökeres could undoubtedly benefit from that. He gives the team lots of options on how to finish plays.
He can run into space to take advantage of through balls that players such as Martin Odegaard or Declan Rice can deliver. He can use his physicality to earn enough space inside the box and get on the end of crosses from Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard. And can you imagine the deadly partnership he can form with Bukayo Saka?
Viktor Gyökeres deserves all the love. pic.twitter.com/1kryPTJQTx
— Gooner Eurychus (@GoonerEurychus) July 8, 2025
The possibilities are endless. That’s what happens when a club looking to take the next step aim to sign a player who has proven to be productive and reliable. Gyökeres has all the qualities needed to thrive and flourish in the Premier League.
And he’s the kind of player the Emirates Stadium side need to mount a serious title challenge against the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City. He fits like a glove on what Arteta wants to do at Arsenal.
Will Arsenal Complete a Deal for Gyökeres?
That’s the million-dollar question – or, rather, a question worth nearly £60 million. Sporting are reluctant to let Gyökeres leave for anything less.
Arsenal have already reached an agreement with the player on a deal until the end of the 2029/30 season. However, since he remains under contract with the Portuguese team, the negotiation must come to fruition between the clubs.
Expect Arsenal to do everything in their power to sign Gyökeres. He’s the kind of striker the squad need to launch a serious title challenge. And who knows? Maybe the Sweden international could be the missing piece for a side that haven’t won the Premier League since the 2003/04 campaign.
