Joe Cole has expressed the view that Arsenal should have pursued Victor Osimhen rather than signing Viktor Gyökeres during the summer transfer window. The Gunners had identified the need for a new striker to elevate their squad, and both forwards featured prominently on their shortlist.
For much of the window, Arsenal weighed up their options, with Gyökeres and Benjamin Šeško considered serious targets. Eventually, the club settled on Gyökeres, securing him after lengthy and, at times, challenging negotiations. The Swedish forward arrives with an outstanding record, having been prolific in the Portuguese league across the last two seasons, where he amassed close to 100 goals. His performances attracted the attention of several leading European clubs, but Arsenal ultimately won the race for his signature.
Cole’s Reservations About the Signing
Despite the excitement surrounding Gyökeres, not everyone is convinced he will replicate his form in England. Joe Cole, in particular, has raised concerns about the move. Speaking to Hayters, he commented, “I think this might be Arteta’s best chance that he’s had. He’s got a centre-forward in, but there’s still a question mark there. It’s not like you’re bringing in a player like… if Arsenal would’ve gone and signed Osimhen, who I’ve seen do it in Italy and in Turkey… This kid [Gyokeres], there is still a question mark.”
Cole’s remarks highlight the uncertainty that often surrounds strikers moving to the Premier League from other European competitions. While Osimhen has proven himself in Serie A with Napoli, Gyökeres has yet to be tested at this level, raising questions about how seamlessly his goal-scoring prowess will translate.
Gyökeres Needs Time
Nevertheless, there is an argument that Gyökeres is being judged prematurely. His blend of physical strength, work rate and finishing ability suggest he possesses the attributes required to succeed in English football, though adaptation will inevitably take time. For Arsenal, patience may be key as their new forward adjusts to the demands of the Premier League.
Cole’s cautionary stance reflects a broader debate among pundits and supporters about the risks of big-money signings from less competitive leagues. Yet for Arsenal, Gyökeres represents a carefully considered investment, and his performances in Portugal provide ample reason for optimism. The coming season will determine whether he can silence those doubts and establish himself as the long-term solution to Arsenal’s striking needs.
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All these doubts being raised about Gyokeres just makes me laugh. I can name three players that didn’t get off to the best starts in their respective Arsenal careers.
But by the end of their Arsenal careers I think it safe to say, they are all now club legends.
Dennis Bergkamp, Thierry Henry, Robert Pires. I think we can all agree about the players they turned out to be.
And if Gyokeres turns out to be half as good as them, we’ll be doing well. Come on those who are having doubts after one game. REALLY!. 🤦♂️🤷♂️
Derek
I agree. The evidence of 60 minutes or so in, let’s face it, a pretty poor overall Arsenal performance against Utd certainly isn’t proof of anything.
Once he’s fully match fit and Arteta has worked out how best to use him, I’m sure we’ll see the “real” Gyokeres, as we did back then with those other, initial, so-called disappointments.
Bertie,
I remember once Bergkamp broke the seal against Southampton with his double he never looked back.
It was the same for Henry when he scored his first goal against Southampton.
I remember Pires scoring a superb hatrick against Southampton, as well as the winner against Southampton in the FA Cup Final.
And I remember Ian Wright banging in a hatrick on his League debut against Southampton. He also scored another hatrick against Southampton later that same season.
Have you noticed a pattern, I wish we could play them every week. 😂🤣👍
Everyone is entitled to his/her opinion honestly. I am too sure ( I don’t know why) that Gyokeres will deliver. Great news Eze is an Arsenal player, so let’s wait and see what this season hold.
This will be Arteta’s make or mare season.
Pointless comment from someone who never realised his own talent…. Gyokeres is not proven because he only played in Portugal yet Osimhen is because in part he played in Turkey !!
So many people trying to make money as pundits or even platforms be just saying whatever they want to try to get traffic or soundbites
Have said this numerous times now. It’s the first game !!!!!
We also signed Eze…are people going to say there are doubts about him because he hasn’t played for a big club? It’s all conjecture until our new guys have played at least 20 games …then people can have an opinion …before then It’s just rhetoric
Making a judgement about Gyokeres after one match is as silly as ignoring the warning signs present before Arsenal signed the former Coventry man.
First, he scored a lot of goals from the spot, so those gaufy numbers look a lot less impressive when you consider both the competition and the 10 PK goals. Most teams in the Prem don’t get 10 PKs awarded in a year, never mind 10 for one player.
Second, and it was Rio Fercinand who mentioned this first. When you look at a lot of Gyokeres’ goals, he shrugged off much smaller, less physical defenders, He won’t be doing that against Virgil, Mark Guehi, Ruben Dias, Jarrad Branthwaite, Harry Maguire, or Micky van de Ven.
Finally, he was often so open… Arsenal will definitely create chances for him, but he won’t get the same space against faster, more aggressive defenders.
Gyokeres will score, but not 30, and probably not 20 goals this campaign. The issue is, will the fans turn on him if he has five goals and Arsenal are in 3rd place on Boxing Day, ten points from an in sync Liverpool or Man City?
Gyokeres is unlikely to score at the same rate as he did in the Portuguese league. That ought to be quite straightforward for some of the reasons you have given. He is clearly not at the level of someone like Haaland, yet some of the discourse tries to pretend that Arsenal have got a similar game changer.
The likelihood is that some fans will shift the blame to the manager if Gyokeres doesn’t quite work out as hoped.
David
“The likelihood is that some fans will shift the blame to the manager if Gyokeres doesn’t quite work out as hoped.” – but shift the blame from whom (to Arteta)?
David,
You just can’t help yourself can you. Straight away your putting your defense in place of Arteta should Gyokeres go belly up.
Of course it’s down to the player himself to adjust to the team play, and for them to adjust to his.
But if said formations are not working, and Gyokeres isn’t getting the service he needs. And if Arteta doesn’t act on that, would you then do the unthinkable, and actually hold Arteta to account.
I won’t be holding my breath on that one.
I might not like his take on arsenal signing but someone saying “Joe Cole didn’t realize his talent”, simply did not watch Cole under Jose at Chelsea. Let’s respect our legends. Cole Decided EPL title with his goals
But isn’t it strange Richard, that it’s ex chelsea and manure players who are criticising The Arsenal’s transfer window?