“I think they're worried" - Former PL star claims Arsenal are not convinced by Viktor Gyokeres despite agreeing personal terms

Former Watford striker Troy Deeney believes that Arsenal are not convinced of Viktor Gyokeres, despite being close to signing him. According to talkSPORT, the Gunners have agreed personal terms with the player and will sign a deal worth £69 million.

However, the seeming delays in ensuring that this move goes through have Deeney scratching his eyebrow. Explaining why he believes that the north Londoners are unsure of Gyokeres, he told talkSPORT:

"I don't think they're sold on Gyokeres. I really don't. Because you’d just go and get him, you get it done [if Arsenal were really keen]."

“The same way that Liverpool did with Wirtz, [they] just went: ‘Bang, go and get him, get it finished."

He added:

“I think they're worried that he's not, not only the short-term answer, but not the long-term answer.”

Well, Gyokeres has been in top form in the past couple of seasons for his Portuguese club, Sporting Lisbon. In the 2024/25 campaign, the Sweden international scored 54 goals and bagged 13 assists in 52 appearances across competitions.

The year before, he managed to find the net 43 times and provide 15 assists in 50 matches in all competitions. He will definitely add to the Arsenal squad by providing them with a natural number nine.

In the previous season, Mikel Arteta turned to Kai Havertz to lead the line and used Gabriel Jesus as the second-choice. In the latter parts of the season, the Spaniard even turned to Mikel Merino in this position due to injuries in the squad.

Arsenal considering using player in swap deal for Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze- Reports

Arsenal are reportedly considering using one of their players in their bid to sign Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace this summer (via Metro). However, the Eagles are firm on the fact that they will not negotiate a deal for the England international, who still has three years left on his current deal.

Despite this position, interested clubs could still sign the attacking midfielder by paying his reported release clause, said to be worth £68 million. A move to the Emirates may not be extremely tempting, given that Eze would not be guaranteed game time.

Martin Odegaard, who is the captain of Arsenal, is also the undoubted first choice in the number 10 role. If anything, Eze would have to fight for a place on the left wing, where Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard operate.

About the author

Rahul has been a European football journalist for Sportskeeda since 2023. A B.B.A. L.L.B. graduate, he captained his university football team and also played for Boca Juniors Football School during his initial years, and also coached his university's girls team. He always aims to translate his tactical awareness, knowledge of the sport and first-hand experience into well-researched articles for his readers.

A follower of the beautiful game since 2014, Rahul is an avid Arsenal and a match-going Bengaluru FC fan. His favorite footballer is Mesut Ozil due to his love for nimble-footed playmakers, while his favorite manager is the legendary Arsene Wenger owing to the Frenchman's attractive style of football.

Rahul, whose favorite FIFA World Cup moment is Lionel Messi lifting the trophy in 2022, has interviewed grassroots expert Tom Byer in the past and gained insight into Japanese football. He also believes Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland can rule the footballing world and take Ronaldo and Messi's place.

When he is not writing, Rahul likes to spend his time playing football, following the Indian Super League and watching other sports. He is also a huge cricket fan and supports Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

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Edited by Rahul Naresh