Arsenal may have missed a major opportunity to secure one of Europe’s rising stars before competition for his signature becomes overwhelming.
Both manager Mikel Arteta and the club’s Director of Football, Edu Gaspar, opted to pass on signing a summer target due to his high price, but that player is now proving his worth with an exceptional start to the 2024/25 season.
The decision not to sign Viktor Gyokeres during the summer transfer window could be one Arsenal comes to regret. According to football insider Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners considered Gyokeres “too expensive” due to his £86 million release clause. Romano explained that Arsenal was unlikely to pursue such a costly player, instead suggesting that they might look for a different type of winger to provide backup for Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka. As a result, Raheem Sterling eventually joined the squad on loan from Chelsea.
However, Gyokeres has had a phenomenal start to the new season, making Arsenal’s decision to walk away seem questionable. The Swedish striker has scored seven goals and provided three assists in just five matches for Sporting CP. His international performances have been equally impressive, contributing three goals and two assists in Sweden’s UEFA Nations League games, bringing his season tally to 10 goals and five assists in just seven appearances. This follows an outstanding 2023/24 season in which he scored 43 goals and provided 15 assists in 50 matches.
Despite Arsenal passing on Gyokeres this summer, the club may still have another chance to sign him in the future. While some of Europe’s top clubs may be eyeing the striker, the presence of big-name forwards like Kylian Mbappe at Real Madrid, Harry Kane at Bayern Munich, and Erling Haaland at Manchester City could reduce competition for Gyokeres’ signature. Should Arsenal find themselves without a reliable striker for another season, Arteta may be tempted to trigger Gyokeres’ £86 million release clause next summer, as the Swedish international could be the prolific goal-scorer Arsenal needs to turn tight games in their favor.