BREAKING NEWS: Live from Emirates, Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke has expressed his disappointment with Mikel Arteta for allowing a standout goal-scorer to leave the club for free. This player has since outperformed Kai Havertz, achieving 15 goals and assists in just seven matches.
Arsenal may have missed out on securing one of Europe’s top talents, a decision that could haunt them as competition for his signature intensifies. Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar, the club’s Director of Football, decided not to pursue a summer target due to his high transfer fee. However, this player has since demonstrated that he is indeed worth the valuation with a stellar start to the 2024/25 season.
The choice to pass on Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres could backfire, as he is rapidly proving his value. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal decided against signing him due to his £86 million release clause.
Romano noted in an interview with Men in Blazers that Arsenal might look to add another offensive player, but not someone as expensive as Gyökeres, suggesting that a winger or a different type of forward might be a better fit behind Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.
Romano’s assessment was accurate, as Arsenal ultimately chose to bring Raheem Sterling on loan from Chelsea. However, as Gyökeres continues to shine at Sporting CP, Arsenal may soon regret not investing in him during the summer. Gyökeres has had a fantastic start to the 2024/25 season, scoring seven goals and providing three assists in just five matches for Sporting CP.
He has also been impressive on the international stage, contributing three goals and two assists in two UEFA Nations League games for Sweden, bringing his season total to 10 goals and five assists in just seven appearances.
This form is a continuation of Gyökeres’ excellent performance from the previous season, where he scored 43 goals and provided 15 assists in 50 matches. His consistent ability to perform both domestically and internationally has cemented his reputation, drawing the attention of top European clubs.
Although Arsenal passed on signing him, they may still have an opportunity to secure his services. With major clubs like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City having already signed other strikers, Arsenal could avoid heavy competition.
Given their current lack of a reliable No. 9, Arsenal may reconsider their position on Gyökeres if their scoring struggles persist. His quality could make him the clinical striker Arsenal needs to compete at the highest level.
In short, Arsenal’s decision not to sign Viktor Gyökeres could be a costly mistake, and they may need to revisit this option to strengthen their attack in the near future.It seems Arsenal’s decision not to pursue Viktor Gyökeres, due to his high release clause, could indeed come back to haunt them. The Swedish striker has made a phenomenal start to the 2024/25 season with Sporting CP, scoring seven goals and providing three assists in just five matches. His stellar performances continue on the international stage as well, with three goals and two assists in two UEFA Nations League matches for Sweden.
Gyökeres’ remarkable form follows an exceptional previous season, where he notched 43 goals and 15 assists, establishing himself as one of Europe’s most clinical forwards. Arsenal opted not to sign him due to his £86 million release clause, instead choosing to bring in Raheem Sterling on loan from Chelsea. However, given Gyökeres’ continued rise, Arsenal may regret passing on him, especially as they currently lack a reliable No. 9.
With clubs like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City having already secured strikers, Arsenal could have less competition should they reconsider a move for Gyökeres. His proven ability to score consistently could provide Arsenal with the finishing touch they need to compete at the highest levels. If Arsenal’s scoring problems persist, revisiting the Gyökeres option might be a necessary step.