In this article, FreeKickSEO will explore whether should Arsenal sign Gyokeres is a smart move—factoring stats, system fit, costs, and the risks. In short: yes, Gyökeres looks like a promising signing for Arsenal—he brings goals, work rate, and a style that fits—but there are questions over consistency, adaptation, and price that make him a gamble.
Let’s break it down.
Arsenal’s need for a striker: what’s changed
Arsenal ended the 2024–25 season hungry for a proven number-9. The Gunners often lacked a focal point up front—someone who can finish chances, stretch defences, and lead the line week in, week out. With Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus showing flashes but not always delivering big volume, the club has been linked with several strikers to bridge that gap. Gyökeres enters as their marquee target.
What Arsenal needs:
- Consistent goal‐scoring in domestic & European matches
- Ability to press, run channels, make intelligent movement under Arteta’s system
- Physicality to cope with Premier League defenders + ability to adapt to faster pace
Gyökeres seems to meet many of these boxes—but not all.
Gyökeres’ profile: strength, numbers, and style
To evaluate “should Arsenal sign Gyokeres,” we need to see what he offers.
Goals, stats & form
- In 2024-25, playing for Sporting CP, Gyökeres scored 39 Primeira Liga goals, becoming the top scorer in Portugal among Europe’s top eight leagues.
- He has very strong per-90 numbers in the Premier League since joining Arsenal in 2025–26: roughly 0.88 goals per 90, and high expected goals (xG) figures.
- Ultraproductive at Sporting: ~97 goals in 102 appearances in all competitions.
Style of play & strengths
- Powerful, direct forward with excellent run into channels. Good at pressing defenders and exploiting space behind a backline.
- Works hard off the ball, high intensity. Arteta values forwards who press and contribute defensively. Gyökeres appears willing to do that.
- Good finishing skills: conversion rate is strong; early matches in Premier League show he is delivering.
Weaknesses & risks
- Aerial ability is not his strongest suit, despite height / physical frame. He doesn’t dominate in headers as many target men do.
- Big games & defensive intensity: some criticism about decision-making under pressure, e.g. chance-creation in tight spaces. Thierry Henry pointed out a missed moment vs Athletic Club.
- Injuries: there was a hamstring injury in early 2025 which affected his playing time. ikipedia)
Tactical fit: Arteta’s Arsenal + Gyökeres
How well does Gyökeres slot into the current Arsenal system?
Movement, pressing, and support
Arteta’s system demands more than just a finisher. The striker must:
- move intelligently to create space for wingers and midfielders
- press high when required
- link up, drop deep occasionally, combine with creative players
Gyökeres has shown smart movement, ability to drift into channels, and he scored among top percentiles in shot-creating actions / progressive runs in some analyses.
Complementing current squad
Arsenal’s offense has stars like Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and recent additions to midfield/wing. Having a striker who can finish the chances they create is crucial. Gyökeres gives Arsenal more direct goal threat, which could relieve pressure on wingers and improve conversion.
Adjustment period & away form
One concern: adaptation to Premier Leagueefensive intensity, and especially away matches. Early stats show that his goals have come mostly at home, while away performances are quieter. That’s common for players moving into England but must be noted.
Cost, value, and alternatives
If Arsenal do sign Gyökeres, what are they paying and what are the alternatives?
- Fee: Arsenal reportedly paid ~£63-£65 million plus add-ons when bringing Gyökeres.
- Value: If he hits goal tallies similar to his Portuguese seasons, that’s high return for forward. A high-volume goalscorer is rare and valuable in the market.
Alternatives like Benjamin Sesko have been linked; younger, with potential upside but less proven. The question becomes: do you pay more for current output and a somewhat safer bet (Gyökeres), or invest in future growth?
Early performance at Arsenal: promise & issues
Gyökeres has already started scoring in the Premier League, which validates Arsenal’s gamble so far.
There has been criticism too—occasions where his final touch or decision in big chances wasn’t optimal. Experts like Henry pointed that out after matches like vs Athletic Club. But early signs are positive.
Should Arsenal sign Gyokeres? Final verdict
Putting all this together: should Arsenal sign Gyokeres? The answer: absolutely—but with eyes open.
Here’s how I see it:
- Gyökeres brings the goal-scoring output Arsenal have lacked. He can finish chances and provides the kind of attacking threat that suits their players.
- He fits well with Arteta’s system if coached to improve weaknesses: aerial duels, consistency in big away games, composure under pressure.
- The cost is high—but likely justified if Gyökeres delivers as expected.
However, it’s not guaranteed he becomes a world-class striker in the Premier League immediately. There will be growing pains. Arsenal will need to manage the style, support him, protect him vs injuries, and avoid over-dependence.
Conclusion
Should Arsenal sign Gyokeres? Yes—if they want a proven goalscorer who can lift the team’s attacking threat, Gyökeres is one of the best options available. He offers clear benefits: goals, movement, pressing, and chasing trophies.
Arsenal fans should expect:
- An initial period of adjustment, especially in big matches and away games
- Strong returns in home games and against mid-table defences
- A high ceiling: if he adapts fully, he could deliver the difference in tight title races and Champions League nights
FreeKickSEO urges Arsenal to see this as more than a transfer—it’s a bet on pushing for silverware. If you’re a fan, keep watching: Gyökeres could be the spark Arsenal have been searching for. Want analysis on his goals, or predictions for this season? I can pull those together too—just tell me.
