Can Gyokeres Be Arsenals Answer to Haaland in the Premier League Race?

Viktor Gyokeres, with 54 goals in 52 matches for Sporting CP last season, is nearing a £70 million move to Arsenal. While he may not match Erling Haaland’s elite numbers, his pressing, speed, and sharp instincts offer Arsenal the edge they need to finally challenge for the Premier League title under Mikel Arteta.

For the Arsenal faithful, long-awaiting a true No. 9, Viktor Gyokeres might finally be the striker who turns potential into Premier League glory. After three consecutive second-place finishes and a trophy drought stretching to five years, Arsenal are closing in on the €70 million signing of the prolific Swedish striker from Sporting CP. Gyokeres netted a staggering 54 goals in 52 appearances last season, including six in eight Champions League games, and even outshone Erling Haaland in a 4-1 win over Manchester City.

With personal terms already agreed on a five-year deal, the 26-year-old is prioritising a move to the Emirates, despite interest from PSG, Bayern, and Liverpool. Described as a "game-changer," Gyokeres is a dynamic forward, strong, explosive, and relentless off the ball, who fits Mikel Arteta's pressing philosophy and offers more than just goals.

His 85 sprints beyond defenders in Liga Portugal last season led all players by a wide margin, and while he needs to improve aerially, his instinctive finishing and aggressive movement make him an ideal fit. Once doubted at Brighton, Gyokeres rebuilt himself at Coventry and dominated at Sporting. Now, he may be the final piece in Arteta’s puzzle to bring a league title back to North London.