Viktor Gyokeres has been warned that if he wants to be a goal assassin in the Premier League for Arsenal, he will have to adapt quickly
10:42, 15 Jul 2025Updated 10:48, 15 Jul 2025
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres is closing in on a move to Arsenal
Viktor Gyokeres has been warned that scoring by the hatful in Portugal doesn't compare to doing it the Premier League if he completes his expected transfer to Arsenal.
The Swedish goal machine has bagged a staggering 68 goals in 66 league appearances for Primeira Liga side Sporting CP. In all competitions, that number is an astonishing 97 strikes in 102 outings, including 11 goals in 17 games in Europe.
The 27-year-old, who also managed 21 goals in 46 games in the Championship during his final season with Coventry City, looks set to join the North London giants in a £64million deal, which would see Mikel Arteta's side pay around £55m upfront, with a further £8.6m in guaranteed add-ons.
But speaking on behalf of Genting Casino, former Gunners defender William Gallas stressed just how big of a step up he feels Gyokeres is taking in jumping from the Portuguese league to spearheading Arsenal’s bid to finally capture another Premier League title.
Gallas said: “He’s not just making one step up. It’s more like two or three steps, from Sporting to Arsenal right now. He’ll be playing against defenders who are really strong, maybe the strongest.
(Image: AP)
“In the first season, he will need to adapt. He’s tall, he’s massive, so I may get attacked for saying this but in Portugal, he had a much bigger advantage on the defenders. He will need to adapt to the Premier League defenders quickly.
Article continues below
“There’s a chance that his second year is much stronger than his first year at Arsenal. But Arsenal will not be wanting to wait for a major trophy any longer. And the signing of a striker is seen as that last piece of the puzzle to do exactly that.
“I hope that, if he comes in, he comes in and hits the ground running. We’ve all been waiting for Arsenal to sign a killer. Only time will tell if Gyokeres is an assassin in the Premier League.”