With Alexander Isak too expensive, Benjamin Sesko hesitant and Ollie Watkins lacking the breakthrough, Gyökeres has become Mikel Arteta's most suitable option. Not exactly the perfect player, but his resilience, desire and explosive form have made him the number one target over all rivals.
Late bloomer but full of courage
Gyökeres’ career has not been a bed of roses. He failed at Brighton, had to find opportunities at Coventry City (Championship) before moving to Sporting CP - where he flourished. In the 2024/25 season, the Swedish striker scored 43 goals and had 12 assists in all competitions, an achievement that cannot be underestimated, even when it took place in the Portuguese National Championship.
This number reflects Gyökeres' all-round perfection: impressive bursts of speed, versatile finishing ability and a powerful, energetic style of play. More importantly, he is never satisfied with himself. Gyökeres is known for his extra training sessions and gym exercises to maintain his fitness and improve his performance.
If Sesko appears hesitant, Gyökeres has made his affection for Arsenal clear, once saying he would “walk from Lisbon to the Emirates” if necessary. That was not just a joke, but a reflection of a particular passion and determination.
 |
With Gyökeres, Arteta has not only a goalscoring striker, but also a warrior ready to rush into any battle. |
Mikel Arteta has always valued the fighting spirit and dedication of his players. With Gyökeres, Arteta has not only a striker who scores goals, but also a warrior who is ready to rush into any battle. He came to Arsenal not just to play football, but to conquer.
Last season, Arsenal played beautifully but sometimes lacked a striker sharp enough to finish off a game. They drew 11 Premier League games - a regrettable number if they are to compete for the title. Saka, Martinelli and Havertz are all skillful and skilful, but none have the instinct to score a goal like a "killer" in the box.
Gyökeres could be the key. He plays a “battering ram” style – aggressive, direct and aggressive. At 1.89m tall, Gyökeres excels in the air and is also a hard-pressing player, averaging 19 pressures per game – a figure on par with hard-pressing strikers like Darwin Núñez. This allows Arsenal to apply pressure from the back of the pitch, creating quick transitions.
Skepticism and Other Perspectives
However, Gyökeres has not escaped scrutiny. Some have suggested that he has yet to prove his class in a tough league like the Premier League, or that his individual technique is not up to par. However, modern football requires more than just finesse, it also requires strength, speed and fighting spirit – all of which Gyökeres has in abundance.
Arsenal were sceptical when they signed Ben White, David Raya and Kai Havertz, but they all became key players. This shows that when Arteta believes in a player, he can exploit their potential to the best.
 |
Gyökeres' arrival allows Arteta to diversify his attacking system. |
Gyökeres’s desire reminds many of Ian Wright, the legend who joined Arsenal when he was nearly 28 and became a record goalscorer. Wright was not a highly regarded player from the start, but his determination and passion for scoring helped him write a legend.
Gyökeres, 27, has a similar mentality. He walks into the Emirates dressing room with the mindset: “Give me the ball and I’ll score.” If that hunger is combined with the support system of Odegaard and his teammates, he could have a breakout season.
Gyökeres’ presence allows Arteta to diversify his attacking system. In a 4-3-3, Gyökeres would be a true centre-forward, stretching the defence and creating space for Saka and Martinelli to exploit. In a 4-2-3-1, he could combine with Havertz as an attacking “partner”, making Arsenal a dangerous team both in the air and on the counter-attack.
His presence also makes it difficult for opponents to “read” Arsenal. Previously, Saka was often closely marked because there was no attractive striker. With Gyökeres, the center-backs will be forced to disperse their concentration.
Arsenal were confident with Declan Rice, but with Gyökeres, it was a gamble that was a mixture of faith and calculation. But sometimes, it is the players who come from challenges and constant effort that bring the greatest bounce.
If Gyökeres can replicate his form at Sporting, Arsenal will not only have a good striker, but also a “hunger machine” – something that could help them turn their Premier League ambitions into reality.
Source: https://znews.vn/arsenal-dat-cuoc-tat-tay-vao-gyokeres-post1571788.html
Comment (0)