Arsenal Bank on Gyokeres to Lead Assault on EPL Title

Dynamic striker Viktor Gyokeres' arrival at Arsenal could be the perfect fix for their attacking needs ahead of the new English Premier League campaign as the Gunners attempt to end their lengthy title drought.

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LONDON —

The Swedish centre-forward signed from Sporting Lisbon on July 26 for a reported £55 million ($94 million) as Arsenal seek the key to unlock a first league crown since 2004.

While Mikel Arteta's side are defensively durable, at times they lacked offensive thrust as they came second in the top flight behind Liverpool and reached the Champions League semi-finals.

The Spanish manager often deployed midfielders Kai Havertz and Mikel Merino up front last season, particularly after Gabriel Jesus was sidelined through injury in January.

The imposing Gyokeres — strong, fast and a constant surging threat — is a new type of tool for a side eager for more cutting edge up front.

After a previous move to Brighton & Hove Albion fell flat, with him failing to make a single Premier League appearance, Gyokeres shone at Coventry City in the English Championship.

He earned a move to Sporting in 2023 and his game has continued to grow rapidly.

“I’m definitely there… at the same table (as the world’s top strikers),” the forward told L’Équipe earlier in July, comparing himself to Harry Kane, Erling Haaland and Robert Lewandowski.