Liverpool FC v Atletico de Madrid - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 - Source: Getty
Former Manchester United striker Michael Owen
Former Manchester United striker Michael Owen has said that striker Viktor Gyokeres isn't the answer to Arsenal's woes in the attacking third. The £64 million summer arrival from Sporting CP hasn't quite set the stage alight at the Emirates.
Gyokeres, 27, has scored just 13 times in 33 outings across competitions, including eight in 24 games in the Premier League, where Mikel Arteta's side are atop the standings after 26 games. That's a far cry from his last season numbers with Sporting - 54 strikes in 52 outings across competitions.
Owen said that he isn't convinced with Gyokeres right now, adding that the likes of Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus could be a more consistent source of goals for the Gunners.
"He’s not for me, not really," Owen told Metro. "Listen, I don’t mind him. I think he’ll definitely be a source of goals if you play him in every game. But then again, I could probably play in every game for Arsenal; they are the best team at the moment and create a lot of chances.
While acknowledging the striker's utility, Owen added that Gyokeres needs to do more to justify his hefty price tag:
"But is he the answer? I’m not so sure. He’s certainly an asset to the team. You would expect paying £60m for a striker, for him to be the stand-out striker, the go-to player. But I don’t know."
"I think if the Champions League final was tomorrow, would Mikel Arteta play him? Or would he pick Jesus or Havertz? I think so. And that probably answers the question. Yes, he’s an asset. But I’m wanting more, expecting more if I’m an Arsenal fan. Now, that’s not to say he’s been a flop at all. He’s obviously very capable. He’s good in front of goal."
After a slow start to life in English football, Gyokeres is showing signs of improvement, scoring six times in his last nine games across competitions.
What's next for Arsenal?
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta
Arsenal are coming off a 1-1 Premier League draw at Brentford in midweek, with Noni Madueke giving them a 61st-minute lead, only for the Bees to equalise 10 minutes later through Keane Lewis-Potter.
The dropped points mean the Gunners' lead at the top has now reduced to four points, with second-placed Manchester City beating Fulham 3-0 at home to remain on the coattails of the leaders.
Next up, Mikel Arteta's side take on Wigan Athletic at home on Sunday (February 15) for a place in the FA Cup fifth round. The Gunners had won their campaign opener by beating Portsmouth 4-1 away.