Arsenal may have a lingering regret after opting not to pursue Viktor Gyokeres in the summer transfer window, especially given his outstanding early-season form for both Sporting CP and the Swedish national team.
Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta and the club’s Director of Football, Edu Gaspar, decided to walk away from a potential deal for Gyokeres, ultimately concluding that his high price tag made the move impractical.
Gyokeres’ reported £86 million release clause was a significant factor in their decision, with Arteta and Edu deeming it too high.
Instead, they brought in Raheem Sterling on loan from Chelsea to add depth to their attack.
Fabrizio Romano, the respected Italian journalist, had earlier indicated that Arsenal was considering another offensive signing but had ruled out an expensive acquisition like Gyokeres.
Speaking on the “Men in Blazers” show, Romano explained that Arsenal was looking for a versatile forward to bolster their options behind Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka but wasn’t prepared to meet Gyokeres’ hefty release clause.
Romano correctly predicted that a less costly option would likely arrive, and Sterling was brought in to provide additional support to Arsenal’s attack.
Yet, Gyokeres’ explosive start to the 2024/25 season may be causing Arsenal’s management to rethink their summer stance.
Since joining Sporting CP, Gyokeres has quickly become a key figure, scoring seven goals and recording three assists in just five league appearances.
His prolific form extended to international duty, where he scored three goals and assisted twice over two UEFA Nations League matches for Sweden.
In total, the Swedish striker now boasts ten goals and five assists across his first seven games of the season—a remarkable tally that has garnered attention around Europe.
These statistics are not entirely unexpected, as Gyokeres delivered impressive numbers last season as well, with 43 goals and 15 assists across 50 appearances.
The decision to pass on Gyokeres now appears more complex, given Arsenal’s need for a reliable goal-scorer capable of finishing tight games.
Arsenal’s current front line has performed well, but a lethal No.9, with the ability to pull out wins in difficult games, remains something they could benefit from.
Gyokeres could fit that profile, offering a more consistent finishing threat in high-stakes situations.
Looking ahead, Arsenal may still have a chance to sign the Sweden international.
While interest from Europe’s top clubs is likely to grow, Arsenal may benefit from recent moves by key competitors, with Real Madrid securing Kylian Mbappe, Bayern Munich acquiring Harry Kane, and Manchester City already having Erling Haaland.
With their rivals focused on other targets, Arsenal could be in a favorable position to revisit Gyokeres next summer.
Should Arsenal face another season lacking a dependable, top-tier striker, the temptation to activate Gyokeres’ £86 million release clause may become more pressing, especially if the Gunners aim to consistently compete at the highest levels.
