Viktor Gyokeres, Arsenal's Masked Hero and Problem Solver

Not many teams were able to trouble Paris Saint-Germain last season. Arsenal was one of those capable of doing so. "The Gunners" created more chances in the two Champions League semifinal matches. However, in the end, PSG managed to advance to the final due to their greater efficiency in capitalizing on opportunities.

In the Premier League last season, Arsenal was the toughest team to beat. They lost just four times, the same as Liverpool. They also boasted the best defense, conceding only 34 goals. Despite their dominance, manager Mikel Arteta's team had to settle for runners-up for the third consecutive season.

The cause of Arsenal's failure in those two competitions is very clear, namely the lack of a goal machine or world-class striker. This issue is being addressed in the summer transfer window by bringing in Swedish national team striker, Viktor Gyokeres, from Sporting CP.

Gyokeres has officially been brought to Arsenal for a total transfer fee of £63.5 million (Rp 1.39 trillion) on Sunday (27/7/2025) WIB. After a prolonged transfer saga, including the striker's refusal to return to training with Sporting, he ultimately signed a five-year contract with the Gunners.

Who better than Gyokeres to solve Arsenal's long-standing problems? Perhaps no one. He arrived in North London with a record of 97 goals for Sporting in the last two seasons. Undoubtedly, Gyokeres is currently the hottest striker in Europe.

"The consistency he has shown in his performances and availability is truly remarkable. His goal contributions speak for themselves. Viktor possesses many qualities. He is fast and strong, and has a high conversion rate of chances," said Arteta, who has brought in a "number 9" striker for the first time during his tenure.

Gyokeres, inheriting the number 14 jersey once worn by legendary player Thierry Henry, is a pure striker. His focus and objective on the field are always to convert opportunities into goals. He offers high quality in finishing, with powerful shots akin to cannon blasts, which are not possessed by other Arsenal players.

Interestingly, Gyokeres is not only expected to be a goal machine. He will also add a new dimension to the front line to enhance Arsenal's attacking complexity. As Arteta mentioned, one of the greatest strengths of the 27-year-old player is his intelligent and constant movement in the penalty area, characteristic of a "number 9" striker.

Throughout last season, Arsenal consistently relied on wing attacks to confront opponents' low blocks. The problem is that this attacking pattern became monotonous. When the wingers gained possession of the ball, other players would immediately run to the far post to receive a cross. This pattern was still evident in the preseason match against AC Milan last Wednesday.

Gyokeres offers something different. The robust player often runs into the open space near the near post. From that position, he will either shoot the ball directly or send a subsequent pass towards the goal. All of this is made possible by his excellent physical condition, intelligence, and ability to use both feet equally well.

Arsenal does not have players who can make a difference in tight spaces. Kai Havertz, the main striker for the Gunners, often struggles in physical duels against tough defenders in the Premier League. Meanwhile, Gyokeres is likened to a machine that cannot be stopped by anything, according to his former coach at Coventry City, Adi Viveash.

Arsenal, in the English League last season, fell significantly behind Liverpool due to frequently failing to maintain their lead. They were able to take the lead initially, but could not score a second goal to conclude the match. As a result, Martin Odegaard and his teammates lost a total of 21 points from winning positions throughout the 2024-25 season.

The problem lies in their efficiency in counter-attack transitions. They often miss opportunities when the opposing defense is wide open. According to Whoscored data, Arsenal only managed 28 shots on the counter last season. That's a relatively low number, ranking them 14th in the Premier League.

On the other hand, Gyokeres is a key asset in Sporting's rapid transition. The 189-centimeter tall player scored five goals from counterattacks in the Primeira Liga last season. This number is the highest in the league. The key lies in his running speed, tenacity, and high-level instincts.

Gyokeres often positions himself parallel to the opponent's defensive line during transitional situations. He waits for a breakthrough pass while remaining in the central area. In similar situations, Havertz is more likely to spread out or create space by retreating to the midfield. When the moment arises, Gyokeres will immediately dribble the ball towards the goal.

For example, when Gyokeres scored against Manchester City in the Champions League group stage match in November 2024. He exploited City's high defense with off-the-ball movement. When receiving a through ball, the striker was unafraid to race against City's last defender, Jahmai Simpson-Pusey. The goal was created in just a matter of seconds.

Gyokeres is principled that the ball must reach the opponent's goal as quickly as possible. "I always want to score goals. At Arsenal, with the support from the incredible players in the team, it will help me perform even better. I am very excited to start this journey," he said, as quoted by the club's official website.

Together with Gyokeres, there is no guarantee that Arsenal will immediately become champions in the following season. One thing is certain, they finally have the player profile that has been sought after for the past few years. The striker position, which has always been a weak point for the Gunners, can now be utilized as a new weapon.

Gyokeres has already captured the hearts of many Arsenal supporters even before playing. This is all due to his determination to settle in North London. He has overcome various obstacles without considering the risks to his career, ranging from a "cold war" with Sporting, cutting his income, to rejecting lucrative offers from other clubs.

Despite the great enthusiasm surrounding his arrival, the striker, known for his signature celebration reminiscent of a masked hero, still has to prove himself. In addition to coming from a less competitive league in Portugal, Gyokeres previously experienced a complete failure while representing the English club Brighton and Hove Albion. (AP/REUTERS)