Arsenal Mikel Arteta
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Arsenal and Manchester United are reportedly eyeing Sporting Lisbon’s prolific striker Viktor Gyökeres, but a former Premier League forward has warned the Swedish star might flop if he moves to England.
Gyökeres, 26, has been in scintillating form for Sporting since his move from Coventry City in the summer of 2023. The Swedish international netted 43 goals in his debut season and has continued his dominance this campaign, amassing 26 goals, including three hat-tricks. His latest contribution, his 18th league goal, helped Sporting secure a 3-2 win over Boavista, keeping them four points clear at the top of the Primeira Liga.
Manchester United appear to be leading the chase for Gyökeres, especially after appointing his former Sporting manager, Ruben Amorim, last month. Under Amorim, Gyökeres thrived, and reports suggest the striker is open to reuniting with the Portuguese tactician despite United’s inconsistent form. However, United’s pursuit is complicated by their recent spending spree on attackers, including Rasmus Højlund (£70m) and Joshua Zirkzee (£36.5m).
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Arsenal, meanwhile, are also in need of a proven goalscorer. The Gunners endured a scoring drought earlier in the season and were held to a frustrating goalless draw by Everton over the weekend, which dented their title challenge. While Mikel Arteta opted against signing a striker in the summer, Gyökeres could provide the firepower Arsenal need to compete at the top.
Viktor Gyökeres - Arsenal
Arsenal target Viktor Gyökeres (Image credit: Getty Images)
Despite his impressive record in Portugal, former Watford striker Troy Deeney expressed doubts about Gyökeres’ ability to replicate that success in the Premier League.
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Speaking ontalkSPORT, Deeney said: “I genuinely think he’s a good footballer who works hard, but I don’t think he’s a natural finisher. People will point to his goal record, but I don’t believe he’s the kind of striker who will take Arsenal or Manchester United to a Premier League title. It’s a different level in the Premier League, and we’ll see how he adapts if he makes the move.”
However, not everyone shares Deeney’s skepticism. Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit believes Gyökeres could be the “final missing piece” for the Gunners.
Petit told Gambling Zone: “Why would Viktor Gyökeres choose Manchester United when Arsenal is a much more attractive proposition? United already have Højlund, Zirkzee, and Rashford in that position. Arsenal need a striker like him – someone who can hold up play and offer a physical presence. He could be exactly what Mikel Arteta’s side is missing.”
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