It’s possible that Arsenal lost out on a fantastic chance to sign a rising star in Europe before the competition got too fierce.
Due to the high asking price, Director of Football at Arsenal, Edu Gaspar, and manager Mikel Arteta chose not to pursue one of their summer transfer targets. But after a brilliant start to the 2024–25 season, the player in question, Viktor Gyökeres, is already demonstrating that he is worthy of every penny of his high valuation.
Gyökeres’ potential signing by Arsenal during the summer transfer window may soon be regretted. Football insider Fabrizio Romano claims that the Gunners decided against going after Gyökeres because they thought his £86 million release clause was too costly. “Arsenal could add another offensive player,” Romano said. It won’t be a costly player like Viktor Gyökeres, in my opinion. Maybe a new winger, a different kind of player, who can provide some new life behind Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka—I think this is too expensive.
Romano was right when he predicted that Arsenal would instead sign Raheem Sterling on a loan from Chelsea. However, now that the season has begun, Arsenal may be regretting their choice to pass on Gyökeres.
Gyökeres has led Sporting CP to an incredible start to the 2024–25 season, tallying seven goals and dishing out three assists in just five games. The Swedish striker has also scored three goals and provided two assists in his country’s last two UEFA Nations League games, increasing his total to an amazing ten goals and five assists in just seven games this season.
These remarkable numbers come after Gyökeres’ stellar season in which he made 50 appearances, scored 43 goals, and provided 15 assists. With his impressive track record, Arsenal’s decision to pass on him is all the more puzzling.
Arsenal might get another chance to sign the Sweden international even though they were not successful in signing him this summer. The competition might not be as intense next summer because some of Europe’s best teams already have an abundance of elite strikers: Real Madrid has Kylian Mbappé, Bayern Munich has Harry Kane, and Manchester City has Erling Haaland.
Gyökeres has an £86 million release clause, so Mikel Arteta might be tempted to activate it next summer if Arsenal is unable to secure a consistent No. 9 this season. His deadly finishing touch could give Arsenal the momentum they need to win close games, especially when they might not be playing at their best.
