How Arsenal will line up with Viktor Gyokeres

Cameron Smith

Updated: 12 Mar 2024 15:45 GMT
4 min read

Viktor Gyokeres, Arsenal, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Viktor Gyokeres is one of the hottest properties in Europe ahead of this summer’s transfer window following his electric start to life at Sporting CP.

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The Sweden international moved to Portugal from Coventry City for a mere €20 million in 2023 - after a fantastic season in the Championship - and he has 33 goals and 12 assists in all competitions this year.

Given his impressive goal-scoring record since his transfer to Sporting, it’s no surprise that Gyokeres has been heavily linked with a big-money move to the Premier League.

Chelsea have shown interest in the 25-year-old, while FootballTransfers have exclusively reported that Gyokeres has been selected as Arsenal’s primary striker target ahead of the summer window.

Mikel Arteta’s side purchased Kai Havertz from Chelsea last year, but the German has mostly been used in central midfield and despite starting the past three games as a striker, the Gunners are still in the market for a more long-term solution.

Gabriel Jesus, like Havertz, is a versatile player capable of being used across the forward line and Eddie Nketiah could be offloaded if Arsenal are confident that Mika Biereth is a capable back-up number nine.

Gyokeres is seen as the perfect first-choice striker for Arteta and the north London club are ready to press ahead in their pursuit to sign him this summer.

However, what will Arsenal’s starting XI look like with Gyokeres leading the line?

How would Arsenal line up with Viktor Gyokeres

David Raya’s loan move from Brentford is set to be made permanent and he will continue in between the sticks, while the impressive back four of Benjamin White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Jakub Kiwior will likely continue.

Oleksandr Zinchenko started the 2023-24 season as Arteta’s preferred left-back, but Kiwior has emerged in recent weeks and has nailed down a regular starting berth in the Ukrainian's absence.

Declan Rice has been unleashed in a more attacking role next to Jorginho of late, and Arsenal may continue with that strategy alongside Martin Odegaard in the middle of the park.