For many years, experts and fans have called for Arsenal to recruit a classy striker. And finally, the "Gunners" responded. Viktor Gyokeres is on his way to join the Emirates.
This is considered one of the most outstanding deals of the Premier League this summer. No player in Europe's top national championships can compare with Gyokeres' 39-goal mark for Sporting last season. This is a number that could signal the arrival of a new top striker in the foggy country.
But this is even more meaningful for Arsenal, given their spending under manager Mikel Arteta.
This summer, Arsenal have spent just £75 million on regulars in the striker position since Arteta took over. The majority of that money is focused on Gabriel Jesus' £45 million transfer deal from Manchester City in 2023. Leandro Trossard is perhaps the only other big investment in this group.
In addition, Arsenal also spent £65 million on Kai Havertz. The German international was initially used in the attacking midfield role before switching to a centre-forward role.
In that context, the Gunners' recruitment of Gyokeres and Noni Madueke for a total value of about £52 million is completely reasonable in theory. The Gunners not only invest in the position they are in dire need of upgrading both in quality and quantity, but at Gyokeres, they also have a real striker, something Havertz has never clearly shown.
Gyokeres has also experience playing in England through his successful time at Coventry, where he scored 40 goals in 97 matches. "He is really excellent," said Adi Viveash, who once coached and guided the striker.
"His strength, the ability to hold the ball and break through gaps, and the ability to connect the game are impressive. He is very good in both penalty areas when participating in set pieces. It was not his initial strength, but he has improved significantly in defending set pieces in midfield," Viveash added.
It sounds like an Arsenal player, but compared to the current options in Arteta's squad, Gyokeres is not exactly like that. In addition to possessing his natural playing style of No. 9, he is also very different in terms of playing style compared to the "Gunners".
Viveash described Gyokeres as "a physical machine", while many others called him a "civil society machine". A highlight in his skill set, compared to Arsenal's current options, is the ability to dribble past the line.
Last season, Gyokeres finished third in the Portuguese national championship in the number of times he led the ball into the opponent's half. This is especially impressive as possession-based defenders often dominate these statistics in Europe.
Compared to Arsenal's strikers, Gyokeres' running ability is of a different level. While Havertz and Jesus average 40m and 48m per 90 minutes of travel with the ball, Gyokeres has a figure of 53m per game - equivalent to more than half of the length of the pitch.
This is even more important when looking at how Arsenal attacked last season. They are one of the six teams with the fewest shots from quick counter-attacks, and have a hard time transitioning.
Therefore, signing a striker who can break the defense and speed up the attack will help Arsenal solve these difficulties.
