Troy Deeney has questioned Arsenal’s interest in Viktor Gyokeres and claimed they are not convinced of his value.
talkSPORT understands the Gunners are finally set to land the Sporting Lisbon goal machine, with a deal worth up to £69million in the works and personal terms agreed on a five-year contract.
Viktor Gyokeres has netted 68 goals in 66 games for Sporting LisbonGettyShould a move to the Emirates materialise, it would bring to an end a long-running saga that stretches beyond the current transfer window.
Arsenal were first linked with Gyokeres last summer, with reports of their interest continuing over the course of last season.
talkSPORT reported in June that the Swedish striker had decided to join Mikel Arteta‘s side this summer, choosing them ahead of other potential Premier League suitors Manchester United.
And while the Gunners now finally look set to turn this into a concrete deal, their slow approach has raised a few eyebrows.
Not least from former Premier League striker Troy Deeney, who believes Arsenal’s handling of business is a sign that they are not convinced of Gyokeres’ worth.
Speaking on talkSPORT’s Kick Off show, the Watford legend said of the potential move: “I don’t think they’re sold on Gyokeres. I really don’t.”
Explaining his view, Deeney contrasted Arsenal’s ongoing pursuit of Gyokeres with Liverpool’s quick-fire signing of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen in a British record £116.5m deal.
He continued: “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.
“I think they’re worried that he’s not, not only the short-term answer, but not the long-term answer.”
Mikel Arteta has been urged to sign a striker for some timeGetty Few strikers boast more impressive numbers than GyokeresGyokeres’ imminent arrival from Portugal would see Arsenal finally land the No.9 they have long been urged to sign, with Arteta yet to bring in a centre-forward since taking charge at the Emirates in December 2019.
Gabriel Jesus was primarily used as a winger at Manchester City before being tasked with leading Arsenal’s line in 2022.
Meanwhile Kai Havertz was originally brought in as an attacking midfielder, before cementing himself as their main man up top.
The signing of Gyokeres, who scored a staggering 54 goals in 52 games for Sporting last term, would certainly address the Gunners’ lack of attacking firepower.
Despite this, Deeney believes Arteta is reluctant to complete the deal for fear of fans being vindicated if Gyokeres were to fire Arsenal to Premier League glory.
The 37-year-old said: “This is my opinion – I think Arteta is a little bit stubborn at this moment in time because everyone’s been calling for it [to sign a striker].
Credit: talkSPORTTroy Deeney does not believe Mikel Arteta is completely in favour of signing Gyokeres[/caption]“If he does that and then wins it [the Premier League], it’s going to be like: ‘Oh, we told you that’.
“It’s not going to be his thing. There’s a little element of stubbornness and [a feeling of]: ‘We could do it our way’.”
He added: “I find it interesting that we’re seeing more talk with Madueke – that looks like it’s closer to being done than the strikers.”
When asked if Gyokeres’ arrival would propel the Gunners to league glory next term, Deeney replied: “I think as a squad they’re going to be better.
“I’m not sure whether they can still get over the line.”
While Deeney may not be convinced by Arsenal’s pursuit of Gyokeres, one person who would welcome his arrival is club legend Martin Keown, who highlighted his all-round ability as being exactly what the Gunners need.
Credit: talkSPORTMartin Keown was fully on board with Arsenal signing Gyokeres[/caption]The 27-year-old’s goalscoring exploits helped fire Sporting to back-to-back Primeira Liga titles for the first time in 73 years.
Discussing the would-be transfer on talkSPORT’s White and Jordan, Keown said: “There’s not a lot wrong with the squad, but they needed to add in certain positions.
“We’ve been crying out for a centre forward due to the injuries that they had.
“This guy is rock solid – you can play the ball into him. He holds it up well. He has pace, power. And I think he’s quite emphatic in front of goal.
“And that’s just what Arsenal need. He just needs to now do his talking on the pitch.”
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