Gyokeres comment makes Arteta take note after scoring Champions League debut

Robin Bairner

18 Sep 2024 01:39 CDT
4 min read

Viktor Gyokeres, Sporting CP, Arsenal, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Arsenal transfer target Viktor Gyokeres once again showcased his promise to Mikel Arteta by marking his Champions League debut with a goal for Sporting CP against Lille.

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Gyokeres took control of a loose ball in the first half to spin and strike a fine shot into the corner of the net. It was the Sweden international’s 12th goal of the season for club and country and maintained his perfect record of having scored in every game he has featured in.

The overall display from the 26-year-old was another impressive one as he posed the Ligue 1 club plenty of headaches, yet there are still such raw edges to his game that it is questionable whether he is really worth the €100 million price tag that Sporting have put on his head.

Current ETV

Viktor Gyökeres

F (C)

Sporting CP

Viktor Gyökeres

F (C)

Sporting CP

ETV Range

€19.2M - €32M

FootballTransfers exclusively revealed that Arsenal, having made him their priority striker for last summer, are still monitoring the player ahead of January and even the transfer window at the end of this current campaign.

Previously, Gyokeres had admitted he was left frustrated by his inability to land a summer move, indicating his desire to play at the highest level. Some of his thirst appeared to have been quenched by Champions League football, though.

“It’s fantastic! It was a dream to play here, and I finally made that dream come true. It couldn’t have been better. It was really fantastic, a great feeling. A great performance from the team and with brilliant fans,” he said.

“The feeling of scoring a goal is not the reason why I play in the Champions League. It’s great to play and then we’ll see what happens afterwards.”

It just HAD to be him! 💥

Viktor Gyökeres gives Sporting the lead with a magnificent finish 😮‍💨🇸🇪

📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/Pkj2l62vAG
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 17, 2024

Gyokeres looking an increasingly good fit for Gunners

This latter comment will most interest Arteta as he analyses the worth of Gyokeres at Arsenal.

Although the Spaniard is after a killer in front of goal, he also wants a player who will operate for the good of the team.

Gyokeres ticks both boxes. There are aspects of his game that will cause some frustration, such as his sometimes scruffy link-up play, yet he has been consistently excellent in front of goal for years now, works hard for the team and possesses incredible hunger.

Indeed, the only thing that does not point to him becoming Arsenal’s next No.9 is Sporting’s lavish €100m transfer fee demand.