Arsenal’s Gyökeres Signing Sparks Debate, Squad Moves

Arsenal completed the signing of Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting CP for around £63-64 million, with new sporting director Andrea Berta playing a key role after the failed pursuit of Benjamin Sesko. Despite Gyökeres' prolific 97-goal record at Sporting, pundits including Paul Scholes and Jamie Carragher have questioned if the move was truly backed by manager Mikel Arteta and whether Gyökeres fits Arsenal's possession-heavy system. Gyökeres made his pre-season debut in a 3-2 loss to Villarreal, displaying physical promise but still needing to build chemistry with teammates such as Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. Arteta remains optimistic Gyökeres will be ready for the Premier League opener against Manchester United, though questions about his match fitness persist. Former striker Alan Smith has urged Arsenal to keep Leandro Trossard and Martinelli while selling Gabriel Jesus due to injury concerns and attacking depth. Arsenal’s transfer strategy has been praised for smart additions as the club manages potential player exits and integrates new signings.