Arsenal - Viktor Gyokeres
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has called on supporters to give Viktor Gyokeres time to prove himself, dismissing concerns over the striker’s lack of Premier League experience.
The Gunners’ £63.5 million summer signing from Sporting CP has faced scrutiny from fans and pundits, but Wright believes the Swede’s mentality and work ethic will make him a success in England.
Gyokeres, 27, joined Arsenal last month after a prolific two-year spell in Portugal, scoring an extraordinary 97 goals in 102 appearances including 54 goals in 52 games last season as Sporting sealed a domestic double. Despite this record, questions remain over whether he can adapt to the pace and intensity of the Premier League.
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Speaking on theSDS podcast, Wright, Arsenal’s second-highest goalscorer of all time drew comparisons to his own 1991 move from Crystal Palace, when doubts were also raised over his ability to step up.
“When I signed for Arsenal, people said, ‘Why are we signing him? He’s only played in the First Division!’” Wright recalled. “I knew what I was capable of, and I can see that hunger in Gyokeres. He wants to be here, and that’s enough for me to put my marker on him.”
Arsenal legend Ian Wright
Arsenal legend Ian Wright (Image credit: Getty Images)
Wright praised Gyokeres’ determination, noting that the striker’s agent even took a pay cut to ensure the deal went through. “He’s done everything to get here. That mentality? You can’t teach that,” Wright said.
The move to Arsenal followed a tense transfer saga, with Gyokeres refusing to rejoin Sporting’s pre-season training to push for his dream switch to the Emirates. He made his first appearance in a 1-0 pre-season defeat to Tottenham, playing the final 13 minutes, but Wright remains confident in his potential.
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“He’s a monster like Haaland was at City,” Wright said. “It’s about his work ethic and what he’s capable of. I’m giving him the benefit of the doubt because I see that fire in him.”
Arsenal opted for Gyokeres over targets such as RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, convinced of his unique qualities. Manager Mikel Arteta has already tweaked his system to play to the striker’s strengths, while sporting director Andrea Berta described him as a “perfect fit” for Arsenal’s title ambitions.
Wright believes Gyokeres’ career path, from loan spells at St Pauli and Swansea to a breakout season at Coventry and subsequent dominance in Portugal mirrors his own late rise to stardom. “He’s not here to mess about,” Wright added. “He knows the chances Arsenal create, and he’s ready to take them. Just watch.”
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