LISBON, PORTUGAL - APRIL 7: Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting celebrates after scoring a goal during the Liga Portugal Betclic match between Sporting Clube de Portugal and Sporting Clube de Braga at Estadio Jose Alvalade on April 7, 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Maciej Rogowski/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Former Arsenal captain William Gallas has shared his doubts about Arsenal target Viktor Gyokeres’ ability to adapt to the Premier League. Speaking to Slingo, Gallas has stated that Gyokores could “crumble” on the biggest stage, and fears the Swede may not be up to scratch in a high pressure environment.
“Arsenal still have the same problem, they need a striker that can score 20 goals a season,” Gallas said.
“I know Viktor Gyokeres has surpassed that amount in the Portuguese league, but it could be completely different for him in the Premier League, it will be a big change.”
“Can Gyokeres adapt to the Premier League? That is the question. He is 26 years old, I don’t know if he can be one of the best strikers in Europe. If he comes to Arsenal, it will be another level of pressure for him.”
“It happens a lot when a player is doing really well at a smaller club, then they crumble at a bigger club. Gyokeres will have a level of responsibility he has never had in his career if he were to join Arsenal.”
Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokores is said to be the man at the very top of Arsenal’s wish list this summer. Both Mikel Arteta and new Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta are said to be huge admirers of the player, with reports of Berta already having undergone some of the groundwork for the deal.
Goal Machine
Gyokores has caught the attention of clubs and fans alike with his performances for Sporting over the last two seasons, where he has scored an eye-watering 60 goals in 61 games in Liga Portugal. The Swede has also impressed in the Champions League and is seen as an ideal fit for the North London outfit.
Debates have raged across social media about whether or not the player can reproduce this form in the Premier League, with many agreeing with Gallas’ sentiments about the difference in expectations and pressure. Others will mention the physical demands of the top flight and the sheer gulf in quality between the two leagues.
Journeyman
It is worth considering that Gyokores has indeed graced English soil in his career, albeit through short spells with Brighton and Coventry. He was limited to just four League Cup appearances with Brighton, but did enjoy two fruitful campaigns in the Championship with Coventry.
The Championship is not the Premier League in terms of quality, but it is similar in physicality and Gyokores showed he can hack it with 21 goals in 49 matches in the 22/23 season before joining Sporting.
He has the pace and strength to win duels in the Premier League and his hold up play makes him a viable target man. His clever movement off the ball will create space for his team mates and Arteta’s style of play would see him get on the end of plenty of chances.
At 26 he is both nearing his prime and young enough to be moulded some more, so Arteta my feel the time is now. Arsenal also continue to be linked to Newcastle’s Alexander Isak and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, and it will be interesting to see which direction The Gunners ultimately go in.
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