Mikel Arteta told Arsenal’s new summer signing ‘isn’t the solution’ as flaws highlighted

Mikel Arteta spent big to land Viktor Gyokeres as Arsenal looked to solve their striker issue but the Swede’s playing style can require the Gunners to change their approach

Mikel Arteta has been told that Viktor Gyokeres “isn’t the solution” to Arsenal’s problems with the Swede’s playing style not complimenting Arsenal’s tactics.

The Gunners spent big to land the striker from Sporting Lisbon, parting with £64million as they looked to add the firepower that has been missing in recent years. Gyokeres arrives with a sensational record in the final third, which meant a number of European clubs were eyeing him.

He’s come in to the lead the line at the Emirates but endured a difficult start during the win at Manchester United before getting off the mark with a brace in the trashing of Leeds at the weekend.

Emmanuel Petit is the man to express concerns with Gyokeres fitting in at Arsenal, insisting that their possession-based style will deny him the space to run into, which had been so pivotal to his success whilst playing in Portugal.

He told AS: “New signings like Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi still have to adapt to Arteta’s style. Gyokeres, for example, prefers to run into space behind defenders, while Arsenal tend to rely on possession.

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“Perhaps they need to get back to the fast-paced, counter-attacking style they practiced two years ago to get the most out of it. Both he and the team need to meet halfway. Too often, wingers drop deep, leaving the pitch empty, making it difficult for Gyokeres to find space. So he, alone, isn’t the solution. If Arsenal quickly find the balance between his qualities and his style of play, they’ll be in contention.”

Arteta was quick to defend Gyokeres after his debut in Manchester, where he was bought off before the end, and insisted after Saturday’s win that the Swede will give them a new dynamic in attack as he seeks to evolve his attack following a heavy summer of recruitment.

He said: “That will help us to evolve and find other ways of attacking teams and connecting with each other. It’s clear where Viktor is really dangerous, but he’s a superpower and let’s put him as much as possible in those kinds of scenarios because something good will happen.”

Arsenal also paraded new signing Eberechi Eze on Saturday, whom they signed from Crystal Palace. They beat Tottenham to his signature and the England winger will add more quality to their frontline and could potentially debut at Liverpool this weekend.

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