‘Viktor Gyokeres is not quick enough for Arsenal’ – Keown

Arsenal legend Martin Keown believes that Sporting CP forward Viktor Gyokeres “is not quick enough” to lead the line for his former club.

The Sweden international has been heavily linked with a move to Mikel Arteta’s side over the past year and he is one of several centre forwards being monitored by the Gunners ahead of the 2025 summer transfer window.

Gyokeres has scored 69 goals in 74 appearances since joining Sporting from Championship side Coventry City last summer, and he is wanted by the likes of Barcelona, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain.

READ MORE: Arsenal prepare €65m bid for Viktor Gyokeres alternative

Arsenal are also interested in purchasing the 25-year-old amid reports that Gabriel Jesus could leave the club to re-join Palmeiras next year.

The Brazil forward is yet to score in 13 Premier League appearances so far this season, and Arteta is eager to bolster his forward line in 2025 as Arsenal look to finally win the English top flight title under the Spaniard.

READ MORE: Man Utd find their €90m striker as Gyokeres deal takes shape

What has Martin Keown said?

Despite widespread interest in Gyokeres, the aforementioned Keown believes that Arsenal should avoid signing the Sweden star next year.

When asked whether the Gunners need to dip into the market for reinforcements in January, Keown told The Oxford Mail: “The players who are there at the moment need to start scoring goals fast don’t they, otherwise Mikel will put his hands in his pocket and buy a forward.”

However, when questioned about the possible signing of Gyokeres, Keown was adamant that his former club should sign an alternative target.

“[Viktor Gyokeres] is not quick enough and he wouldn’t have been quick enough in my day,” the Gunners legend said.

Gyokeres is expected to be involved in a transfer tug-of-war in 2025, with Sporting set to demand a fee in excess of €80m million.

Dusan Vlahovic, Marcus Thuram, Benjamin Sesko, Victor Osimhen and Randal Kolo Muani have also been linked with a move to Arsenal next year, while the north London giants remain interested in Athletic Club’s Nico Williams as their search for a new winger continues.