At a Glance:
Wayne Rooney backs Viktor Gyokeres.
Gyokeres has 14 Premier League goals this season.
Arsenal fans could disagree with Wayne Rooney.
Despite being criticised by several fans and pundits alike for much of the 2025/2026 season, Viktor Gyokeres has managed to lift the Premier League title in his debut campaign for Arsenal.
Gyokeres has stepped up in recent weeks as well, putting in top-drawer performances against the likes of Fulham and Atletico Madrid as his side stand one game away from winning the double.
However, a whole host of question marks have been posed about whether the Swede was at the level to be the Gunners’ starting centre-forward.
Wayne Rooney backed Gyokeres when he was dropped by Mikel Arteta in Arsenal’s 2-1 defeat against Manchester City and once again, he has spoken favourably about the 27-year-old.
Wayne Rooney names Viktor Gyokeres as the signing of the season
Rooney even lauded Gyokeres’ physicality and selflessness against Atletico Madrid, claiming his Arsenal teammates would “respect” the former Sporting CP goalscorer’s relentless work ethic on the pitch.
When asked about which player has been the signing of the season in the Premier League, the Manchester United legend vouched for the Stockholm-born marksman once again.
On BBC Sport’s The Wayne Rooney Podcast, the pundit backed Gyokeres over Granit Xhaka: “I think he is.
“Xhaka’s been brilliant but I think what he’s brought to Arsenal is what they needed and obviously, finishing second over the last three years, I think he’s given them something a bit different and that’s been a big factor in them winning the Premier League.”
Viktor Gyokeres may still divide Arsenal fans
When Arsenal go toe-to-toe with Paris Saint-Germain, Gyokeres has the chance to prove Wayne Rooney right by coming up clutch and leading the North Londoners to Champions League glory.
However, a return of 14 Premier League goals and several isolated performances up front are signs that the striker still has plenty of room to improve. One could argue that this season, Gyokeres has not even been one of Arsenal’s five best performers this term.
With David Raya potentially being the Gunners’ unsung hero while Declan Rice, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber all impressing, the case against Gyokeres is a strong.
Xhaka, Rayan Cherki, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Senne Lammens are some of the many players who have made a massive impact on their respective teams since being signed as well.
Srinivas Sadhanand
Srinivas Sadhanand is a writer for Read Arsenal and Read Man City, with over eight years of experience as a sports journalist. He has worked for established companies such as GRV Media, The Economic Times, Urban Pitch and Sportskeeda among several others. From interview athletes to writing detailed tactical pieces and covering the impact streetwear and music in football, he has many strings to his bow as a journalist. Being a lifelong Manchester City fan, he specialises in writing about them and the Premier League in particular. Away from the desk, he loves watching European football, cricket, films, listening to music and exploring new foods.
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