Joe Cole Claims Arsenal Ignored the Better Striker in £64M Deal

Joe Cole offers bold Arsenal transfer advice, claiming the club should have signed Victor Osimhen instead of Viktor Gyokeres in their £64M striker deal.

Former England star Joe Cole has sparked debate with his latest Arsenal transfer advice, suggesting the club should have signed Victor Osimhen instead of Viktor Gyokeres. Cole believes Arsenal missed a more proven option in Osimhen, who recently joined Galatasaray for £65 million.

Arsenal made headlines this summer by signing Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP for £64 million. Despite his impressive goal tally—54 goals in 52 games last season—Gyokeres struggled in his Premier League debut against Manchester United, failing to register a single shot before being substituted.

Speaking to Hayters TV, Joe Cole expressed concern about Gyokeres’ ability to adapt to the Premier League. He said, “There’s still a question mark there,” highlighting the risk Arsenal took with the Swedish striker.

Cole argued that Victor Osimhen, who scored 37 goals in 41 matches for Galatasaray last season, would have been a more reliable signing. Osimhen has proven himself in multiple leagues, including Serie A and the Turkish Süper Lig, making him a more experienced option.

Arsenal had reportedly considered other forwards like Ollie Watkins, Alexander Isak, and Dusan Vlahovic, but ultimately chose Gyokeres. Despite long-standing links to Osimhen, the club never made a serious move for the Nigerian striker.

Cole’s Verdict on Arsenal’s Title Chances

Joe Cole believes Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has a strong chance to win the Premier League this season—but only if key signings deliver. While Cole praised other additions like Noni Madueke, he remained skeptical about Gyokeres’ ability to perform under pressure.

He added, “I think he’ll score goals, but Liverpool are the best side at the moment. Arsenal’s best chance is if Liverpool have a slow start.”

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