Sweden Legend and Dwight Yorke Raise Concerns Over Gyökeres as Pressure Mounts on £64M Striker

Doubts emerge as Viktor Gyokeres pressure grow following Arsenal record investment.

Arsenal £64 million signing of Viktor Gyokeres has triggered fresh debate, with former stars raising concerns about the pressure the Swedish striker now faces. Arriving as Mikel Arteta’s marquee forward, Gyökeres was to lead Arsenal’s attack, but Sweden legend Stefan Schwarz and former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke question whether he can thrive under the spotlight at the Emirates.

Arsenal signed Gyökeres from Sporting CP in a major summer deal aimed at ending their long-running search for a dominant centre-forward. The 27-year-old joined after scoring an extraordinary 97 goals in 102 matches for the Portuguese champions, making him one of Europe’s most lethal finishers. Arteta saw him as the final piece needed to transform Arsenal from perennial runners-up into Premier League champions.

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Yorke and Schwarz Voice Early Doubts

Despite the excitement, doubts have quickly surfaced. Dwight Yorke questioned Gyökeres’ ability to withstand the mental and tactical intensity of Premier League football, suggesting he may struggle to adapt to Arsenal’s demanding system.

“Gyökeres is just what Arsenal needed,” Yorke told Snabbare. “They needed a centre-forward and they’ve got someone who can score goals, even if he’s untested at this level. He’s had a decent start. He’s a very good player but he’s not world class. I like to see my centre-forwards a little bit more exciting than what he offers, but the game has changed so he’ll do well at Arsenal because they dominate games.”

Meanwhile, Stefan Schwarz raised concerns about Gyökeres’ transition to England and the expectations tied to such a significant fee.

Schwarz says Gyökeres is “too heavy” and needs to “get a bit lighter” to succeed in the Premier League.

“I believe with Viktor Gyökeres, he’s not fully fit yet,” Schwarz, who assisted Sweden finishing third place at the 1994 World Cup, told Hajper. “As well with the new system, new manager, and new teammates, it takes time to develop the understanding. It’s not just the physical part of it, it’s the mental part as well. Mental tiredness maybe from adapting to a new club, new expectations, and higher expectations from supporters around the whole world.”

Their comments have intensified scrutiny during Gyökeres’ mixed start, as he works to replicate his Sporting form in a tougher environment.

The Transfer Saga and Arsenal’s Strategic Shift

Gyökeres’ arrival followed a tense transfer saga in which he skipped pre-season training to force through the move. Arsenal ultimately paid €65.75 million plus €10.25 million in add-ons, shifting focus to him after negotiations for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško collapsed. The investment reflects Arsenal’s belief in Gyökeres as a long-term cornerstone of their attack.

The concerns raised by Yorke and Schwarz highlight broader questions about high-profile Premier League arrivals. Gyökeres must cope with the pressure of being Arsenal’s new attacking leader, while also integrating into Arteta’s fluid system that values pressing, link-up play, and intelligence beyond goal-scoring alone. Arsenal fans want immediate impact as they chase major trophies, leaving Gyökeres with little room for a prolonged adjustment period.

Gyökeres still has every opportunity to justify Arsenal’s investment. Arteta’s trust in him suggests a patient, long-term plan designed to unlock his full potential. If he settles and finds rhythm, he could become a transformative force for the Gunners. For now, though, the pressure remains high — and the Premier League continues to watch closely to see whether Viktor Gyökeres can rise to the challenge.

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