Alan Shearer has been speaking about Hugo Ekitike and Viktor Gyokeres ahead of Liverpool vs Arsenal.
Newcastle United icon Alan Shearer.
Newcastle United icon Alan Shearer.(Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Alan Shearer has lavished praise on Liverpool star Hugo Ekitike but believes Viktor Gyokeres will prove to be the individual signing of the summer. The Reds completed the signing of Ekitike back in July after the striker snubbed late interest from Manchester United.
Gyokeres, on the other hand, moved to the Emirates Stadium from Sporting Clube de Portugal last month after impressing for the Liga Portugal side. The Sweden international scored his first goal for the Gunners against Leeds United last weekend.
However, Ekitike, who also could have moved to Newcastle United this summer, has made a flying start to life in England.
After scoring in the Community Shield against Crystal Palace, the forward has two in two in the Premier League - after strikes against Bournemouth and the Magpies.
And although Shearer admits that Ekitike has made an impressive start to life in England, he has thrown his backing behind Gyokeres to be the best individual signing of the summer.
He told Betfair: "Hugo Ekitike has had a flying start, hasn't he? I'm reluctant to say that being a Newcastle fan!
"Viktor Gyokeres could be a really important signing. I know he got two goals last weekend which will do his confidence the world of good. I'll say that Gyokeres will be the best individual signing."
Lavishing praise on Ekitike, former Arsenal forward Thierry Henry told Betway: "Hugo had an outstanding season with Reims.
"He came out of nowhere, he's a local boy, and he took the league by storm. Then he went to Paris Saint-Germain, and that was the year of Messi, Neymar and Mbappe. You're not going to start a lot, so he struggled.
"He went to Germany, and we saw what he did last year. That duo with Marmoush was lethal, they were both unplayable. When Marmoush left, Ekitike struggled a bit, but then he went back to scoring goals.
"I'm not surprised to see what he has done and I'm very happy for him to be back on track, because it's not always easy to get back up when you receive that first slap. He answered the call.
Follow transfer deadline day live with the ECHO
Transfer deadline day is almost upon us and Liverpool still have business to do. It's already been a busy summer for the Premier League champions but they could still pull off a couple of blockbuster signings as the window comes to a close.
Alexander Isak's future remains unresolved, with the striker refusing to play or train for Newcastle United. Liverpool remain interested in a deal for the Swede.
Meanwhile, Marc Guehi has been a player of interest all summer and Liverpool could still launch a last-minute deal for the Crystal Palace defender.
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"I remember we were looking at him for France Under-21s, but he wasn't playing much at the time so it was difficult to take him.
"Now he's playing for Liverpool, he has already scored, and what's good with him is that he has both - he's a very good finisher in the box and can also play on the counter because he's fast. That gives you a lot of options when you're a coach.
"Arne Slot will figure out what he wants to do with him, but for me he's a No.9. Liverpool already have exactly what they need on the wing.
"They were waiting to get that guy, they paid a lot to get him. He's a No.9. Can he play on the left or right? Yes, he's versatile because he has speed.
"But this is what I'm saying, you were never going to ask Alan Shearer to play on the left or right, right? So yes, he's a No.9."