Arsenal may have let a significant opportunity slip by in their pursuit of one of Europe’s most promising forwards before the competition for his signature becomes overwhelming.
During the summer transfer window, Mikel Arteta and Arsenal’s Director of Football, Edu Gaspar, decided against signing Viktor Gyökeres, one of their identified targets, due to his steep price tag.
Despite the high valuation, Gyökeres is already proving to be worth every penny, given his exceptional start to the 2024/25 season.
It is a decision that Arsenal might come to regret.
Football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano shared that Arsenal chose not to pursue Gyökeres due to his £86 million release clause, which they considered too expensive.
Romano commented, “Arsenal could add another offensive player. I don’t think it will be an expensive player like Viktor Gyökeres.
I think this is too expensive, but maybe a new winger, a different type of player who can provide fresh energy behind Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.”
This prediction came true when Arsenal secured Raheem Sterling on loan from Chelsea instead of making a more substantial investment in Gyökeres.
However, as the season progresses, Arsenal may already be questioning their choice to pass on the Swedish striker. .
Gyökeres has had an explosive start with Sporting CP, scoring seven goals and delivering three assists in just five matches.
His excellent form extends to international duty, where he recently contributed three goals and two assists in Sweden’s UEFA Nations League games.
This brings his remarkable season tally to 10 goals and five assists in just seven games.
This is on the back of an outstanding 2023/24 season, where Gyökeres netted 43 goals and provided 15 assists in 50 appearances.
With such a prolific record, Arsenal’s reluctance to meet his release clause appears increasingly hard to justify.
Though Arsenal passed on Gyökeres during this summer’s window, they may have another opportunity to sign him in the future.
Given that several of Europe’s biggest clubs are already well-stocked with elite strikers—Real Madrid with Kylian Mbappé, Bayern Munich with Harry Kane, and Manchester City with Erling Haaland—the competition for Gyökeres might not be as fierce if Arsenal revisits the idea next summer.
If Arsenal finds themselves struggling to secure a consistent goalscorer this season, Arteta may feel compelled to consider activating Gyökeres’ £86 million release clause next summer.
The Swedish forward’s clinical finishing could be exactly what Arsenal needs to convert tough matches into crucial victories, particularly in games where they are not performing at their best.
