Marco Silva Reflects on Fulham’s Missed Opportunity with Viktor Gyökeres
Marco Silva reflects on Fulham’s choice to forgo Viktor Gyökeres in favour of Mitrović.
Fulham manager Marco Silva has openly discussed a notable transfer decision that saw the club pass on Viktor Gyökeres in favour of Aleksandar Mitrović. Despite Gyökeres’ impressive goal-scoring record at Coventry City, where he netted 43 times over two and a half years, he failed to capture the attention of England’s top six Premier League clubs. However, mid-table sides including Fulham did show interest.
Silva acknowledged that although the top clubs overlooked Gyökeres because he wasn’t quite ready for their level, mid-tier teams recognized his potential. “Now, the mid-table clubs in England had all noticed, and so much so that there were some offers to buy Gyökeres, at least in those two years when he stood out a bit more,” Silva said.
Fulham approached Gyökeres’ agent but ultimately chose to rely on their established striker Mitrović, a decision Silva admits might not have been the best in hindsight. Mitrović scored 111 goals for Fulham before his departure to Al Hilal in August 2023, while Gyökeres moved to Sporting CP that same summer.
Looking forward, Gyökeres is set to join Arsenal for the 2025/26 Premier League season, where manager Mikel Arteta hopes he can address the club’s attacking challenges. Silva expressed confidence in Gyökeres’ suitability for Arsenal’s style, noting, “I think [Gyökeres will] fit into a phase of play that Arsenal has. They have very strong midfielders and wingers, so he’ll fit in very well. In a positional attack, when Arsenal is clearly in their highest space. He’ll have an impact; whether he’ll have the same impact as Portugal, we’ll have to see how he adapts.”
Arsenal
Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres Could Debut Soon as Arteta Monitors Fitness
Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres may soon debut as Arteta evaluates his fitness ahead of Premier League opener.
Viktor Gyokeres was introduced to Arsenal supporters in Singapore ahead of a friendly match against Newcastle United. While his appearance was brief, there remains a real chance the Swedish striker will make his debut soon. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta stated, “We’re going to assess tonight how he is and if the medical staff are happy as well with his condition to participate in tomorrow’s match, then it’s a possibility. We’re going to discuss that tonight.”
Arteta also confirmed that Gabriel Magalhães and Riccardo Calafiori will likely miss the match as they continue rehabilitation from injuries. Gyokeres joined Arsenal on a five-year deal this summer following a drawn-out transfer from Sporting CP. The 27-year-old was recruited to address Arsenal’s attacking issues, particularly in the striker role.
Gyokeres’ credentials include an impressive 97 goals in 102 appearances over two seasons in Portugal, drawing interest across European clubs. Arsenal fans are keen to see him in action, especially during the upcoming high-stakes clash with Tottenham Hotspur in Hong Kong. Arteta, however, indicated that any playing time for Gyokeres will be cautiously managed, similar to the careful reintegration of Kai Havertz after his long-term injury.
After their Asia tour, Arsenal have two further pre-season friendlies lined up against Villarreal and Athletic Club. These games may provide Gyokeres with more significant minutes on the pitch. The manager’s priority is ensuring the new striker is fully fit and prepared for Arsenal’s challenging start to the Premier League campaign.
The Gunners open the season away at Manchester United, where Gyokeres is poised to face his former Sporting boss, Ruben Amorim, adding an intriguing narrative to the fixture.
Manchester United
Manchester United Expedites Talks for Benjamin Šeško as Top Striker Target
Manchester United focus on Benjamin Šeško as their main striker target amid accelerating negotiations.
Manchester United have moved decisively to prioritize RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Šeško in their search for a new striker this summer. Initially, the club’s shortlist included Šeško and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, but recent reports from The Athletic indicate that Šeško is now the sole focus of their negotiations.
The 22-year-old Slovenian striker had previously been viewed as requiring further development and did not meet Leipzig’s €75 million asking price. However, circumstances involving Alexander Isak have altered the landscape.
Newcastle United’s interest in Šeško emerged after Isak’s potential exit from St. James’s Park put their pursuit of the striker in jeopardy. Consequently, United has accelerated talks with Leipzig to secure Šeško before Newcastle can respond.
The Daily Mail has reported a pessimistic stance from Newcastle, who now consider it likely that Šeško will join Manchester United. This has led Newcastle to continually reassess alternative striker options, with names such as Liam Delap, João Pedro, Hugo Ekitiké, Yoane Wissa, and most recently Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz, fluctuating in their plans.
The focus for Manchester United on Šeško reflects a strategic decision to strengthen their forward options promptly amid a competitive transfer window.
Arsenal
Arsenal Face Upfront Payment Demand for Eberechi Eze Transfer from Crystal Palace
Arsenal must pay over half of Eberechi Eze’s release clause upfront to Crystal Palace as deadline nears.
Arsenal have been informed by Crystal Palace that they must pay more than half of Eberechi Eze’s £67.5 million release clause upfront to secure his transfer. Despite already committing up to £205 million on six new signings including Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyökeres, Arsenal continue to seek further attacking reinforcements.
Eze’s release clause includes a guaranteed £60 million portion, with the remainder dependent on add-ons. Palace are reportedly open to structured payments for the remaining amount but insist on receiving £35 million immediately. The balance can be paid in installments, with additional fees potentially paid later.
Personal terms do not appear to pose an obstacle after a positive meeting with Eze’s representatives in June. However, Arsenal must act swiftly as the release clause offer expires with the start of the new Premier League season on August 15.
For Eze, aged 27, a move to Arsenal would represent a full-circle moment, returning to the club where he spent time in the academy before being released 14 years ago. His career was precarious after spells at Fulham, Reading, and a release from Millwall at 18, but a successful trial at Queens Park Rangers granted him his first professional contract. QPR remains entitled to 15% of any profit made by Crystal Palace from his sale.
