In the latest twist of the ongoing debate over Viktor Gyökeres’ summer transfer to Arsenal, former Liverpool midfielder Vladimír Šmicer has claimed that Arsenal might “already have won the Premier League” this season had they opted to bring in Patrik Schick instead of the Swedish striker.
Speaking to BetVictor, Šmicer questioned Arsenal’s decision to spend heavily on Gyökeres — a prolific scorer in Portugal — suggesting that Schick’s superior finishing ability could have made all the difference in tight matches that have defined *ARSENAL*’s campaign. ‘Patrik Schick is a classic goalscorer,’ the Champions League winner told BetVictor. ‘In the box, he’s very, very clever and he can finish from all angles.
‘His left foot is really good. Unfortunately for him, he’s suffered a lot from muscle injuries.
‘If Schick had joined Arsenal instead of Viktor Gyokeres, I think they might have won the Premier League title already.
The comments come amid growing scrutiny over Gyökeres’ first campaign in England. The 27-year-old arrived at the Emirates last summer from Sporting CP in a deal worth around £63.5 million, having scored almost 100 goals in Portugal over two seasons. While Gyökeres has shown glimpses of his quality — scoring 17 goals in 44 appearances across all competitions — critics argue that he has lacked the ruthlessness expected of a No. 9 in the Premier League’s title fight.
Schick vs. Gyökeres — Who Was the Better Choice?
Evaluating whether Schick would have been a better signing than Gyökeres requires balancing style and fit rather than relying on reputational soundbites alone. Schick is widely regarded as a technically gifted and instinctive finisher.
His ability to score with both feet — often in tight spaces — could have helped Arsenal convert marginal chances into goals at crucial junctures. That type of clinical edge might indeed have swung a handful of fixtures in their favour this season.
However, *ARSENAL*’s attack under Mikel Arteta hasn’t been solely defined by the central striker — creativity and interplay from wide and attacking midfield areas have borne much of the creative load.
Gyökeres offers physicality, pressing intensity, and link-up play that fits Arteta’s tactical emphasis on collective forward movement. He has shown resilience adapting to a new league and defensive attention, qualities that might pay dividends in future seasons.
Gyökeres’ contributions may yet prove pivotal as Arteta’s side head into the crucial final stretch of the season. A full verdict may have to wait until both players’ long-term impacts are clearer.
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