Gyokeres signing a mistake – Arteta told to move for alternative with ‘Arsenal DNA’

Robin Bairner

• 31 Mar 2025 14:30 BST
• 4 min read

News

Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit has warned Mikel Arteta off signing Viktor Gyokeres and instead break the bank to sign an alternative forward.

Although the Gunners have admired Sporting CP striker Gyokeres for well over a year, links with the Sweden international star have picked up following the appointment of Andrea Berta to sporting director at the club.

Current ETV

Viktor Gyökeres

F (C)

Sporting CP

Viktor Gyökeres

F (C)

Sporting CP

€74.8M

ETV Range

€67.3M - €82.3M

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But Petit believes it would be a mistake if his former side were to go all in on the 26-year-old.

“If I was picking between Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen, then I would go for Osimhen,” Petit said.

“Osimhen has more pedigree than Gyokeres – he would be the better choice for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal.

“But if I had to choose one striker that Arsenal should break the bank for this summer, then I have to put Alexander Isak in front of both Osimhen and Gyokeres.

“Isak already knows the Premier League, there’s no adaption period. He’s off the shelf, ready to deliver. He has shown so much quality. He's a top striker in the Premier League. He can score against any team, and I think he can add quality to Arsenal up front, which is something we need.”

Isak a perfect foil for Saka and Odegaard

The Newcastle hitman has 19 goals this season in the Premier League, and Petit believes he would dovetail beautifully with the existing options in Arteta’s squad, including Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard.

“Arsenal are missing a top, top player – a difference-maker – in the striker position. They are missing someone that can provide a physical presence and someone score goals. Arsenal just has plan A at the moment, they don't have a plan B. They are missing a striker,” he said.

“Isak has shown great qualities with Newcastle. I’m thinking about how he would link up with the likes of Odegaard and Saka, he would fit like a glove into that team. He’s got the DNA of an Arsenal player. If they could get him, that would be something amazing for Arsenal.”

FootballTransfers understands that Isak is Arteta’s dream summer signing for Arsenal but Newcastle can secure a new contract for the Sweden star if they qualify for the Champions League.