Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres had joined Arsenal this season from Sporting CP. Since his arrival, things have been in an up and down manner. Current Sporting coach, Rui Borges feels that the Gyokeres struggled at the start of the season because of Arsenal’s general play style.
Can we say Gyokeres’ transfer to Arsenal a fruitful move?
Viktor Gyokeres is a 27-year-old Swedish forward player. He is a pure striker whose presence in the box is sharp. The Swedish began his career in Sweden at IF Brommapojkarna. In 2018, he joined Brighton and Hove Albion for just €1m. It is very safe to say that the move didn’t end up well. He was sent to different clubs on loan to gain experience in English football. In that course, he had played for St. Pauli, Swansea City and Coventry City.
In 2021, Viktor permanently moved to Coventry and there he produced strong performances in 2 seasons. He was in the radar of many big clubs and that earned him the €24m to Sporting. He outscored his own Coventry version in Portugal. The striker’s fierce form was not only in Portuguese league but also in Champions League.
In 2025 summer, Gyokeres returned to England but in Arsenal colours. The transfer fee involved was €66.9m. At Sporting, Ruben Amorim coached him for maximum time. But from December of 2024-25 season to the end, Rui Borges was the manager of Sporting. Gyokeres had maintained his goal scoring form under him too which impressed the boss. So, Borges has criticised Arsenal’s brand of for Gyokeres’ struggle period.
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Key Statistic:
In his two permanent seasons at Coventry, Viktor Gyokeres had scored 39 goals and had 17 assists in 95 matches. For Sporting, the striker has 87 goals and 25 assists in 95 games. This season, at Arsenal he has scored 17 goals in 44 matches so far, as per Sofascore.
What does Rui Borges believe about Viktor Gyokeres?
The ex-Sporting striker has been in a satisfying form this season, but that is nowhere near is “robotic” form. In Premier League, he has scored just 11 goals, this season. Eventually, his performances has been criticised by many pundits and former players.
But Rui Borges believe something different. Reports say that he is optimistic about Gyokeres and acknowledges him to be a great player. He understands that Viktor had to adapt initially because Arsenal’s brand of football is different from Sporting. The Portuguese coach also stated that he believes Gyokeres is a great forward and his goal scoring form has returned. He also said that in the beginning of the season, Arsenal fans were doubting Gyokeres’ abilities. But now Gyokeres is netting goals in which he is the best and this is the truth.
Last night, the Swedish returned to his former club as Arsenal faced Sporting in Champions League quarter final. The English side won by a 1-0 score but he was not up to the mark. Sporting Boss believed that Gyokeres would be welcomed by the Portuguese fans and there will be no hostility. He has supported the player by saying that his move to Arsenal was best for both the player and Sporting CP. This move was an upliftment in his career and he needed that.
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What are the next steps for Arsenal and Gyokeres?
Mikel Arteta and the ‘ fans believed that the Swedish forward would elevate the London club’s level and win major honours. So far, this has not been the case and there are problems for Arsenal. They have lost the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City and have been knocked out by Southampton from the FA Cup. They have no domestic trophies to play for this season.
The Gunners now have only the and Champions League to play for. Currently they are the league leaders. Last night, they have got a lead against Sporting by a 1-0 win. The second leg will be played at Emirates. Lastly, Rui Borges also praised this Arsenal’s team. He believes that this team of Arsenal is very focused and considers that this great team wants to play in all competitions.
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