After half a season at Emirates, Viktor Gyokeres has only scored 10 goals in 29 appearances for Arsenal, of which only 5 goals in the Premier League. This number is far less than the destructive form he once showed at Sporting Lisbon with 97 goals in 102 matches in Portugal.
Last weekend, Gyokeres even had to sit on the bench in the defeat to Manchester United, giving the starting spot to Gabriel Jesus. Kai Havertz's return after injury makes the competition in Arsenal's attack even fiercer.
Former player Dietmar Hamann as well as many other football experts believe that the Gunners still lack an excellent center forward: "I always say that Arsenal needs a center forward. A person who can make a difference when the match is only 10 minutes left, capable of playing high balls, attracting defenders and opening up space for Bukayo Saka or Gabriel Martinelli.
If you give those wingers more space, they are almost unstoppable. I still feel Arsenal needs someone else".
Speaking directly about Gyokeres, Hamann affirmed: "I don't think he is one of the top strikers in Europe. I think he is a good scorer, but I don't think he is good enough to play as a center forward for Arsenal.
The former German international also questioned Gyokeres' ability to adapt to the Premier League: "We watched him before coming to Sporting and I'm not sure he's capable enough to face the best defenders in Europe and the Premier League. This is a very physically focused league and sometimes you will be exhausted.
Hamann concluded skeptically: "Sometimes you have to give the player time, but honestly, I'm not sure he's capable enough to lead a club like Arsenal's attack and lead them to the championship.
However, Gyokeres just scored in a victory against Kairat in the Champions League, helping Arsenal enter the top 4 of the group stage. Returning to the Premier League after three winless matches, Arteta's team will be under great pressure when playing away at Leeds United, a team that has been playing quite stably since December.
