Mikel Arteta Told €64m Signing Not Good Enough for Arsenal Title Push

Ex-Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann questions whether £64m striker Viktor Gyokeres has the quality to lead Arsenal to Premier League glory.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been warned that Viktor Gyokeres signing may not be good enough to deliver a Premier League title, with former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann issuing a blunt assessment of the £64m striker’s early struggles at the Emirates Stadium.

Gyokeres arrived from Sporting CP last summer amid huge expectations, but his output in English football has raised fresh concerns about whether he can be the long-term No.9 Arsenal desperately need.

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The 27-year-old joined Arsenal after a remarkable spell in Portugal, where he scored 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting. His reputation as one of Europe’s most lethal forwards made him Arteta’s marquee attacking signing.

However, Gyokeres has found the transition far more challenging. He has scored just 10 goals in 29 appearances in all competitions, with only five coming in the Premier League. Crucially, only two of those league goals have arrived from open play, while he has failed to score a non-penalty goal in his last 11 league matches.

Those numbers have fuelled debate over his suitability for the physical and tactical demands of English football.

Dietmar Hamann delivers brutal verdict

Speaking to CasinoBeats, Hamann made his feelings clear, questioning Arsenal’s decision to place so much faith in Gyokeres.

“They brought Gyokeres in as the centre-forward but I don’t think he’s good enough,” Hamann said.
“We saw him at a few clubs before Sporting and I’m not sure he has the ability to play against the best defenders in Europe and in the Premier League.”

Hamann also suggested Gyokeres lacks the physical presence and aerial dominance needed to create space for Arsenal’s wide players like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.

“He’s a goal scorer, but against the best teams that’s not enough. I don’t think he gets into the positions where he can score regularly.”

Carragher and Arsenal fans echo concerns

Hamann is not alone. Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher previously criticised Gyokeres after Arsenal’s 4-1 win over Aston Villa, insisting Gabriel Jesus should start ahead of the Swede.

“The one negative for Arsenal is that Gyokeres shouldn’t be starting when they have players like this,” Carragher said.

Arsenal supporters have also voiced frustrations on social media, with some arguing the striker contributes little to the team’s overall play and struggles to fit Arteta’s possession-based system.

Despite the criticism, Gyokeres has shown flashes of promise. He scored early in a recent Champions League victory over Kairat Almaty and impressed with his work rate, earning positive post-match reviews.

Arteta has consistently defended his striker, previously praising Gyokeres after a two-goal display against Atletico Madrid.

“Viktor makes Arsenal a much better team,” Arteta said.
“Trust me, he’s doing unbelievably for us. We wouldn’t be where we are without him.”

Gyokeres has also spoken positively about building chemistry with teammates such as Kai Havertz, who has provided key assists in recent games.

Pressure mounts ahead of crucial run

Arsenal remain in the title race, but their attack has lacked the ruthless edge shown by rivals led by Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah. With Gabriel Jesus and Havertz pushing for starts, Gyokeres faces growing pressure to justify his £64m price tag.

As the Gunners prepare for their next league fixture, the debate surrounding Viktor Gyokeres Arsenal signing continues to intensify. Whether he proves Hamann wrong or becomes a costly misstep could play a decisive role in Arsenal’s season.

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