Arsenal’s ambitious summer move for Viktor Gyökeres has quickly become one of the most talked-about transfers in European football. Signed from Sporting CP for a hefty fee of £64 million, the Swedish striker arrives in North London with the reputation of being one of Europe’s most prolific goal scorers. However, not everyone is convinced that he will succeed in the Premier League.
One of the loudest critics is his former teammate, Glenn Murray, who openly questioned whether Gyökeres truly has the quality to thrive at Arsenal. His doubts have only added fuel to the debate surrounding the 26-year-old forward as he prepares for his much-anticipated Premier League debut.
Glenn Murray’s Skeptical Take
Former Brighton striker Glenn Murray, who once shared the dressing room with Gyökeres at the Amex Stadium, did not mince his words when analyzing the signing. Speaking to BBC Sport, Murray insisted that he never imagined Gyökeres would one day command such a staggering transfer fee.
“I don’t think Viktor Gyökeres is the answer for Arsenal—it’s a massive leap,” Murray said. “I was with him at Brighton and, honestly, I never saw him becoming a £64 million striker.”
Murray went on to argue that the gap between Portugal’s Primeira Liga and the Premier League could prove too wide for the Swedish international to bridge immediately. While Gyökeres thrived in Portugal, scoring goals for fun at Sporting, the physicality and intensity of English football are expected to be a far greater challenge.
The Ben White Comparison
To further illustrate his doubts, Murray compared Gyökeres with Arsenal defender Ben White—another player who once wore the Brighton shirt. According to Murray, White’s talent was evident from the moment he broke into Brighton’s senior squad, something he doesn’t believe applies to Gyökeres.
“When Ben White came into the first team, everyone instantly knew he had something special. His quality was obvious,” Murray explained.
“With Viktor, it was more like, ‘He’s okay.’ He never stood out as someone who’d one day fit perfectly into Arsenal’s system. That’s where my doubts come from.”
William Gallas Raises Concerns
Murray isn’t the only figure raising question marks over Arsenal’s newest attacking weapon. Former Arsenal captain William Gallas also voiced concerns about Gyökeres’ ability to settle quickly in England.
“Can Viktor Gyökeres adapt straight away to the Premier League? Personally, I don’t think so,” Gallas told reporters. “It doesn’t mean he isn’t a good player, but when footballers arrive from abroad, especially from leagues with a different style and pace, they usually need time. The Premier League is unforgiving.”
Gallas pointed out that even world-class players often struggle with the speed and physicality of English football in their first season, suggesting that expectations for Gyökeres should be tempered.
Arteta’s Strong Defense of Gyökeres
While critics circle, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has stood firmly behind his new striker. The Spanish tactician was quick to highlight Gyökeres’ qualities during preseason, particularly after the Swede opened his scoring account against Athletic Bilbao.
“He pressed both centre-backs tirelessly. He’s the kind of forward that, when you give him a one-on-one situation, he will destroy you,” Arteta said after the friendly.
“Scoring your first goal is always a big moment, and the way he finished that chance was excellent. It showed composure, intelligence, and confidence—everything we want in our No. 9.”
Arteta believes that Gyökeres offers Arsenal something they’ve lacked in recent years: a consistent, powerful centre-forward capable of leading the line in the biggest games. His ability to create space, drag defenders out of position, and finish clinically could prove vital as the Gunners look to challenge Manchester City for the Premier League crown.
The Bigger Picture
Gyökeres’ transfer has sparked a larger conversation about risk and reward in football’s modern transfer market. At £64 million, Arsenal are betting big that the Swedish international can replicate his form in Portugal and elevate their attack to the next level.
For critics like Murray and Gallas, the move feels like a gamble that could backfire if adaptation takes too long. For Arteta and Arsenal’s coaching staff, however, Gyökeres represents the final puzzle piece in their bid to win silverware.
What’s certain is that all eyes will be on the Emirates Stadium when Gyökeres makes his official Premier League debut. If he starts scoring early, the doubters may quickly fall silent. But if he struggles to find the net, the debate will only intensify.
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