For the past two seasons, Arsenal fans have been calling for the club to sign a new number nine. Kai Havertz bridged the gap for a while, but there was always the expectancy that the Gunners would need to part with big money to bring in the striker who could potentially end their 20-plus-year wait for a top-flight English title.
This summer, it looks like those calls are finally being answered, as reports are indicating that the North London club are closing in on a €70 million deal for Swedish international Viktor Gyökeres.
But could the striker be the difference-maker in Arsenal’s 2025-26 title challenge?
Gyökeres Opts for Arsenal Over Man United
The transfer saga surrounding Gyökeres’s future has been making headlines since the middle of last season, with many expecting the Swede to join former head coach Ruben Amorim at Manchester United.
🚨 Arsenal’s deal for Viktor Gyökeres is likely to be finalised before the club’s summer pre-season tour. Those close to the deal say it’s at an advanced stage & expect the financial issues to be resolved in the coming days. [@ChrisWheatley] pic.twitter.com/kfEZQOWo5f
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) July 9, 2025
However, Arsenal have leapfrogged their Premier League rivals, with the added incentive of playing in the Champions League likely being the determining factor. Mikel Arteta’s intention to bring in a new striker is also not new information, as the Gunners had been monitoring Benjamin Sesko, as well as the Sporting Lisbon number nine.
Gyökeres appears to be Arteta’s man, as the club has deemed the asking price for the RB Leipzig star to be too high. To rub salt into the wound for United, Gyökeres will likely be in line for a first Arsenal start against the Red Devils on the opening day of the Premier League season.
Gunners Needed a Goalscorer
A clear goalscorer in the forward areas was ultimately the deciding factor in last season’s title race, as Liverpool could call upon Mohamed Salah in crucial moments. At the same time, the Gunners failed to boast the same quality.
Remember when Arsenal’s back four halted Viktor Gyökeres’ goal scoring hot-streak 👀 pic.twitter.com/ubk7tVM2Sk
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) July 7, 2025
This was echoed by the fact that no Arsenal player hit double digits in Premier League goals during the 2024-25 season, with Kai Havertz ending the campaign on a club-high tally of nine. However, the arrival of Gyökeres fills that black hole at the top of the field, as his scoring records have caught the attention of Europe in recent seasons.
The 27-year-old was one of the hottest forwards in world soccer last season, scoring a remarkable 39 league goals in 33 matches. His overall goal contributions reached 46 after registering seven assists.
Saka, Havertz, Martinelli, Trossard & Jesus last season: 53 goals
Viktor Gyökeres last season alone: 54 goals.
What a signing he could be 😳 pic.twitter.com/TFdWjrEU6Y
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) July 7, 2025
Gyökeres was the leading man throughout last season, scoring 1.25 goals every 90 minutes. However, the most impressive statistic regarding his scoring feats was that he accumulated his league tally despite having a slightly lower xG of 33.06.
Added Element of Tactical Freedom
The signing is also likely to give Arteta added freedom in his squad selections, as he’ll no longer have to lean so heavily on Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli to shoulder the scoring burden. Kai Havertz can also drop into the role for which he was brought to the club, as the Gunners’ coach originally saw the former Chelsea Champions League winner as an attacking midfielder.
Cecil believes Viktor Gyökeres will definitely score plenty of goals for Arsenal — Agree with him? 🤝 pic.twitter.com/wogd0dflVb
— AFTV (@AFTVMedia) July 9, 2025
Gyökeres also has excellent quality in the air, while the main trademark of his game is holding up the ball and bringing others into play. Therefore, it will come as no surprise to see Saka and Martinelli both improve their tally of goal involvements recorded in 2024-25.
However, it isn’t just the signing of Gyökeres that is likely to transform Arsenal’s style this season, as the arrival of Martin Zubimendi should give Declan Rice increased freedom to roam forward and join the attack.
While goals were a concern in 2024-25, that may no longer be a weak part of their game next season.
Is the Signing a Slam Dunk?
Arsenal’s decision to opt for Gyökeres over Sesko could yet be one that they may come to regret. But, in the Swede, they have a ready-made striker who is already proven at the Champions League level. Sesko may have needed time to settle in, which is something that Arteta could ill afford in his bid to win major silverware at the Emirates.
Viktor Gyökeres, the world’s No.1 striker 😮💨pic.twitter.com/ePcaGMHAtA
— Gooner Chris (@ArsenalN7) July 6, 2025
However, one lingering concern is that Gyökeres remains untested in the Premier League. His tally of goals last term was also netted in the Portuguese top flight, which isn’t considered to be one of the leading competitions in Europe.
However, given the position that Arsenal are in and their need for a number nine, they’ve arguably gotten the best option on the market. While it may be a gamble, it could be one that ultimately lands them the ultimate prize of all, the Premier League title.
