Arsenal might have missed out on a significant opportunity to secure one of Europe’s most promising talents, a decision that could soon backfire as competition for the player intensifies.
Both manager Mikel Arteta and Director of Football Edu Gaspar reportedly chose not to pursue the signing of their summer target, Viktor Gyokeres, due to his high price tag.
However, the Swedish striker is now demonstrating his incredible potential with a remarkable start to the 2024/25 season, making Arsenal’s decision to pass on him seem increasingly questionable.
According to football journalist Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal had considered signing Gyokeres, but his hefty £86 million release clause was deemed too expensive.
Instead, the club opted for a more affordable alternative, choosing to bring in Raheem Sterling on loan from Chelsea to offer backup for Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.
Romano also suggested that Arsenal were likely looking for a different type of winger to add depth to their squad, rather than a big-money forward like Gyokeres.
Despite Arsenal’s decision to back away from the deal, Gyokeres has wasted no time proving his worth this season.
The striker has enjoyed a sensational start at Sporting CP, scoring seven goals and providing three assists in just five matches.
His impressive form hasn’t been limited to club football either.
On the international stage, Gyokeres has contributed three goals and two assists for Sweden in their UEFA Nations League matches, bringing his total tally for the season to an incredible 10 goals and five assists in just seven appearances.
These statistics come on the back of an outstanding 2023/24 campaign for Gyokeres, where he netted 43 goals and provided 15 assists in 50 matches.
Such a prolific performance has only added to the sense that Arsenal’s decision not to sign him during the summer transfer window could be a regrettable one.
While the Gunners may have thought his asking price was too high, Gyokeres’ early-season form suggests he could be exactly the kind of player Arsenal need to bolster their attack.
Nevertheless, Arsenal may not have completely missed out on the Swedish striker.
Despite interest from some of Europe’s elite clubs, the presence of top forwards like Kylian Mbappe at Real Madrid, Harry Kane at Bayern Munich, and Erling Haaland at Manchester City could mean there’s less competition for Gyokeres’ signature than expected.
If Arsenal find themselves lacking a reliable goal-scorer in the future, Arteta might be persuaded to reconsider and trigger Gyokeres’ £86 million release clause next summer.
Given Gyokeres’ current trajectory, Arsenal could view him as the kind of prolific forward who has the ability to decide tight games in their favor.
His combination of finishing, vision, and physicality makes him an appealing option for any top club, and the Gunners may yet regret their decision not to act sooner in securing his services.
Should they miss out on key attacking reinforcements again, Gyokeres may emerge as a prime target once more, particularly if his form continues to rise throughout the season.
