The football world has been thrown into a frenzy after Chelsea legend Didier Drogba launched a scathing attack on Arsenal’s recent signing of Swedish striker Victor Gyökeres, labeling the decision as “foolish” and questioning whether the forward has what it takes to lead the Gunners to glory.
Speaking during a youth football summit in Paris, the Ivorian icon didn’t mince his words when asked to comment on Arsenal’s high-profile acquisition. Gyökeres, who cost the club a significant fee after a stellar season at Sporting CP, was hailed as the missing piece in Mikel Arteta’s squad. But Drogba is far from convinced.
> “Arsenal are foolish for signing such a player like him,” Drogba stated bluntly. “There are world-class strikers available — hungry, proven attackers who have delivered in the toughest leagues. Yet they went for him? I don’t see how they expect to win major titles with that kind of decision.”
Drogba’s words sparked immediate debate across social media, with many Arsenal fans initially celebrating the deal now rushing to defend their new signing. Gyökeres, who netted over 30 goals for Sporting in all competitions last season, was seen as the striker to finally give Arsenal the cutting edge they lacked in the title race.
The former Chelsea forward, however, insists that the Premier League is a completely different challenge.
> “I’ve played in this league. I know the demands. This isn’t Portugal or Sweden — this is the most unforgiving stage in football. There’s no time for adjustment, no sympathy for mistakes. If he’s not ready from the first game, the pressure will crush him,” Drogba warned.
Close associates of Gyökeres have since reassured fans that the criticism won’t shake the player’s confidence. A friend of the striker told reporters, “Victor has a warrior mentality. Criticism like this won’t break him; it will only drive him to prove doubters wrong.”
Mikel Arteta has yet to respond publicly to Drogba’s remarks, but the Arsenal boss is expected to face questions about the comments during his next media briefing. Many supporters are waiting to see if he will defend his new striker amid the growing spotlight.
The football community is now sharply divided over Drogba’s comments. Some analysts believe the Chelsea legend is simply giving an honest assessment of the Premier League’s standards. Others accuse him of reigniting the long-standing Chelsea-Arsenal rivalry and attempting to unsettle the Gunners before the new season.
Former Arsenal star and Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson offered a more measured view:
> “Drogba is a legend, no doubt, but he’s speaking too soon. Gyökeres hasn’t even stepped onto the pitch for Arsenal. He deserves a chance to show what he can do.”
As the new Premier League campaign approaches, the pressure on Gyökeres is mounting. Arsenal fans will expect him to justify the hefty transfer fee, while Drogba’s harsh verdict ensures that the spotlight on the Swedish striker will be brighter than ever.
