𝙄𝙉𝙎𝙄𝘿𝙀 𝘼𝙍𝙎𝙀𝙉𝘼𝙇 𝙏𝙍𝘼𝙄𝙉𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙎𝙀𝙎𝙎𝙄𝙊𝙉 𝙐𝙋𝘿𝘼𝙏𝙀

Alan Pardew has thrown his support behind Arsenal’s pursuit of Viktor Gyökeres, suggesting that the striker’s arrival could be the final piece in the puzzle that elevates the Gunners to the same level as Premier League powerhouses Liverpool and Manchester City in the title race.

Arsenal have intensified their summer transfer activity in recent days, making some big moves in the market. They’ve already secured the services of Spanish goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and finally unveiled long-term midfield target Martin Zubimendi.

However, the North London club is far from done. Reports strongly link them to two more high-profile signings — Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres and Chelsea’s winger Noni Madueke.

Initially, Arsenal had shown a strong interest in RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, but that pursuit has cooled, and all focus has now shifted to Gyökeres. Negotiations with Sporting CP are reportedly advancing well, with personal terms already agreed upon.

If the deal — potentially worth up to £69 million — goes through, Pardew believes the Swedish striker could make a significant impact at the Emirates.

Pardew, speaking to talkSPORT, highlighted Gyökeres’ profile as exactly what Arsenal have been missing: a powerful, consistent, and natural goalscorer.

He explained that despite Mikel Arteta’s side coming close to winning trophies in recent seasons, they’ve lacked a clinical and physically imposing forward who can deliver goals in key moments. According to Pardew, Gyökeres fits that description perfectly.

“The thing I really like about Gyökeres,” Pardew said, “is that not only is he a natural goalscorer — which Arsenal desperately need — but he also has a strong fitness record. He’s physically tough and rarely misses games, which is crucial.”

Pardew added that during his time watching Gyökeres play at Coventry, he noticed the striker’s physical dominance and technical ability. “He’s strong, good with the ball at his feet, and also dangerous in the air,” he noted. “That physicality makes him an ideal Premier League striker and a potential game-changer for Arsenal.”

He went on to emphasize that Arsenal’s creative players will supply Gyökeres with plenty of chances, and the striker has shown he can convert opportunities at every level he’s played. “When he gets chances, he scores — it’s as simple as that,” Pardew said confidently.

In Pardew’s view, completing this signing would put Arsenal on equal footing with Liverpool and Manchester City — both of whom are perennial title contenders.

For the former Crystal Palace and West Ham manager, Gyökeres represents not just a tactical fit, but a vital missing link in Arsenal’s quest for major honours.