Viktor Gyokeres is an exciting striker who has been linked with a move to Arsenal. Gyokeres is enjoying an outstanding season with 50 goal contributions in 39 appearances for Sporting Club de Portugal. It is no wonder that there are even songs made about him that you can listen to online. Arsenal continues to show an interest in him. With that said, debate rages about whether or not he is the right striker for Arsenal. Let’s dive deeper and examine this topic in detail.

Arsenal Transfer Target Profile: The Basics about Viktor Gyokeres

Viktor Gyokeres is a 25-year-old Swedish striker who currently plays for Sporting Club de Portugal in the Primeira Liga. It is also worth noting that Gyokeres has some experience in English football. Brighton and Hove Albion signed Gyokeres in January 2018, but later sold him to Championship side Coventry City in July 2021.Gyokeres joined Sporting Club de Portugal in July 2023.

Gyokeres played well in the Championship. He scored 41 goals and providing 15 assists during his time in the English second tier. Of course, Championship experience isn’t the same as regular Premier League experience. However, it means that Gyokeres is fairly familiar with English football in general.

Is Gyokeres Disciplined?

Gyokeres is quite disciplined. He has only received four yellow cards and one red card in 39 games this season. As a result, Arsenal wouldn’t have to worry too much about him getting in trouble with the officials if they do sign him. This is a boost for those hoping Gyokeres joins Arsenal, since Arteta has established discipline as one of the club’s defining characteristics.

What Are Gyokeres’ Strengths and Weaknesses?

Gyokeres is a well-rounded center-forward with quite a few strengths. He passes the ball well, finishes chances ruthlessly, and dribbles quite effectively, as well. Gyokeres regularly provides key passes to help his team attack the opposing defense. Also, Gyokeres is dangerous outside of the box thanks to his ability to score long-shot goals.

Viktor Gyokeres is six feet and two inches tall and he uses that size effectively, both in his hold-up play and in the opposition box during set-pieces. Gyokeres is a definite aerial threat. That likely counts in his favor when it comes to Arsenal’s interest, since the Gunners score plenty of set-piece goals.

His hold-up play is also quite good, partially due to his size. Gyokeres can make it difficult for defenders to dispossess him due to his physicality. He is also pacy and can make runs in behind to trouble the opposing defense.

However, Gyokeres does have some weaknesses, as well. He doesn’t contribute that much defensively, as is clear from his poor defensive statistics. He rarely makes successful tackles or successful interceptions. Additionally, Gyokeres makes fewer than one clearance per game on average.

While Gyokeres’ hold-up play is fairly good overall, he is often a bit too flat and upright when he plays with his back to the opposition goal. He could also use his arms to hold off opposing players a bit more. Receiving the ball in such an upright position means that defenders can make a late push to try to prevent him from turning and getting past them using his strength, dribbling, and pace.

Arsenal Transfer Target Profile: Viktor Gyokeres’ Style of Play

Viktor Gyokeres likes dribbling and performing lay-offs. Gyokeres also makes quite a few short passes. More generally, he is a significant threat when his team is on the counterattack due to his pace, dribbling, strength, passing, and clinical finishing. Arsenal already have several players who are dangerous in counterattacking situations, such as Martinelli, Saka, Jesus, and Trossard. Gyokeres would likely make Arsenal’s counterattacks even more troublesome for opposing defenses.

Arsenal Transfer Target Profile: Viktor Gyokeres’ Transfer Value

Viktor Gyokeres has a 100 million euro release clause in his Sporting contract. However, Sporting Club de Portugal will apparently accept about half of that, 50 million euros or 43 million pounds, in exchange for the Swedish striker. This gives Arsenal another boost in their attempts to sign him.

Should Arsenal Sign Viktor Gyokeres?

As with any Arsenal transfer target, there is plenty of debate about whether or not Arsenal should sign Viktor Gyokeres among Gunners fans. Given Gyokeres’ current ability, age, and transfer value, a transfer to Arsenal could make sense. Arteta would certainly require Gyokeres to contribute more defensively, but Gyokeres’ overall attacking ability might help lift the Gunners to another level.

At any rate, it is easy to see why so many Arsenal fans are excited about Viktor Gyokeres possibly becoming an Arsenal player.

Let Us Know Your Thoughts

Now that we have discussed Viktor Gyokeres in detail, we’d like to hear what you have to say. Is Gyokeres the right striker for Arsenal or should the Gunners look to sign someone else? Let us know in the comments below and check back next week for more Arsenal content.