Arsenal have been warned over the prospect of signing Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres by former Gunners defender William Gallas who is concerned by his ability to adapt
Arsenal have been warned that Viktor Gyokeres is not guaranteed to be a success if the north London side sign the forward this summer. Former Arsenal defender William Gallas has advised caution over the prospective star's ability to translate his displays to the Premier League.
Gyokeres has enjoyed two spectacular seasons at Sporting CP. After scoring 43 goals in 50 appearances in his first season, Gyokeres has already bettered that mark and bagged 44 goals in 45 outings this term.
The Sweden international is said to have a release clause of £83.6million, but could depart Portugal for less than that amount. There is set to be no shortage of interest in the striker with Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United having been linked with a move in addition to Arsenal.
Gyokeres featured for Brighton earlier in his career, although not in the Premier League, and earned his move to Sporting after impressing for Coventry in the Championship. The Sky Blues earned a record fee for the sharpshooter who went on to sign a five-year deal with Sporting in 2023.
Gallas maintains that Arsenal require a striker who can scored 20 goals a season to help them reach the next level. The ex-France international does not appear entirely convinced Gyokeres is that man.
"Arsenal still have the same problem, they need a striker that can score 20 goals a season," told Slingo. "I know Viktor Gyokeres has surpassed that amount in the Portuguese league, but it could be completely different for him in the Premier League, it will be a big change.
"Can Gyokeres adapt to the Premier League? That is the question. He is 26 years old, I don't know if he can be one of the best strikers in Europe. If he comes to Arsenal, it will be another level of pressure for him.
"It happens a lot when a player is doing really well at a smaller club, then they crumble at a bigger club. Gyokeres will have a level of responsibility he has never had in his career if he were to join Arsenal."
Signing a new striker will be among the priorities of new Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta, who was confirmed as Edu's successor at the end of March. The former Atletico Madrid transfer chief joins the Gunners who have already been linked to Alexander Isak and RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko, as well as Gyokeres.
The star's agent, Hasan Cetinkaya, is already said to have met with Berta over a possible transfer. The Swede's representatives were reported to have been invited to spectate Arsenal's Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid.
ColinsGooner
8
Gallas is one of the confused former player,who is always against the success of Arsenal
Bapadeior
7
Nooo nooooo Gallas give your opinion to Chelsea we trust our coach he can't go wrong we need Gyokores
Yiwentyz
7
no William Gallas, I disagree with you on this matter, this guy is a born striker, box to box. are you kidding me. let arsenal go for him and he will be someone to watch
Kozbdemnu
7
And this same guy scored hat trick against Manchester City in the Champions League. Gallas should keep his mouth shut 🤫!
Uazii
8
l think Gyokeres would not be a problem, because we need a striker, someone to score goals, if Martin can bring the ball to him , why would he not score, if Saka, Rice , and all can force a midfielder in Merino to score goals, why would a natural striker fail to score, no he's the right man, he's a good finisher, an a finisher is what Arsenal needs at this moment, not someone that have to dribbling past everyone, so Bueta go for him please.