Arsenal
Arsenal’s Tactical Shift with Viktor Gyökeres: Potential Lineup and Impact
Viktor Gyökeres could transform Arsenal’s attack this season with his pace and finishing skills.
Arsenal’s summer transfer window concluded with the acquisition of Viktor Gyökeres, a prolific striker whose effectiveness previously stemmed largely from Liga Portugal. His arrival signals a significant tactical shift for the Gunners, particularly in attack.
The most likely setup sees Gyökeres taking the central striker role, replacing Kai Havertz, flanked by Bukayo Saka and either Gabriel Martinelli or Noni Madueke. Gyökeres offers a blend of pace, power, and relentless work rate, qualities expected to enhance Arsenal’s decisiveness in the opposition box. His ability to finish with both feet is a valuable asset that Arsenal have often lacked recently except for a limited few.
Bringing Gyökeres up front could alleviate the burden on Martin Ødegaard and Saka. Last season, Arsenal struggled with a lack of a consistent presence to convert chances near the penalty spot, leading to many wasted opportunities from key creators. Gyökeres’s direct style is expected to draw defensive attention, thereby creating more space for his teammates.
Kai Havertz, after an injury-hit season that curtailed his impact, might adapt to a secondary striker position behind Gyökeres. This would inevitably affect Ødegaard’s role and minutes but could create a potent front attacking partnership. Additionally, midfield balance may be maintained with Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi, enabling creativity and secure cover.
Arsenal’s dynamic fullbacks, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Jurrien Timber, complement this attacking approach, potentially offering further tactical options during games when chasing goals.
Ł Arsenal’s captain Ødegaard faced considerable pressure last season amid injuries to key attackers. A striker like Gyökeres who can threaten with runs behind defenses should in theory loosen opposition marking on Ødegaard, offering him more space to influence play with decisive passes or strikes.
Overall, Gyökeres’s signing represents a calculated gamble by Arsenal to transform their attacking potency and push for major honors this season, moving beyond their previous strategy of goals without a classic striker.
Arsenal
Viktor Gyökeres Embraces Challenge at Arsenal Wearing Iconic No. 14 Shirt
Viktor Gyökeres is eager to prove himself at Arsenal, wearing the iconic No. 14 shirt.
Viktor Gyökeres has expressed enthusiasm about proving his capabilities at Arsenal following his high-profile transfer from Sporting CP. The 27-year-old striker will don the legendary No. 14 jersey, previously worn by Thierry Henry, signaling high expectations among the Arsenal faithful.
In his first interview with the club’s media, Gyökeres emphasized his eagerness to score goals, stating, “I always want to score. To be a part of this club and to score in this kit and with this badge in front of all the supporters, I can’t wait. It will be an amazing feeling.” Reflecting on his career progression since first stepping onto English soil, he noted, “I started here [in England], it feels like a long time ago. I think I’ve improved a lot since then. Now I want to prove myself for real and perform together with the team.”
Gyökeres, who netted 54 goals across all competitions in the 2024–25 season, credited Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta as significant influences in his decision. He remarked on Arsenal’s strong squad and rich history as major draws, saying, “When I was playing against Arsenal last season, I could really feel it was a very strong team and very difficult to play against. That made me choose Arsenal, and of course all the history the club has and the massive fanbase. It’s been amazing to see all the support that they have already given me before I even arrived. That’s what it’s all about. It’s going to be very nice to see them in the stadiums as well.”
Gyökeres also reflected on his international success and Champions League experience, expressing confidence about his ability to perform at the highest levels with Arsenal: “It’s a big honour to play for your country, and then to score goals for them is amazing. When I played at Sporting, I scored a few goals in the Champions League so I feel that I can be on that level as well. Now to come here to a club on Arsenal’s level, I think it’s going to help me perform even better with all the amazing players in this team. I’m really excited to get going.”
Arsenal
Arsenal Secure Viktor Gyökeres as Key Forward Ahead of Pre-Season Asia Tour
Arsenal have signed striker Viktor Gyökeres, who will join the squad for their Asia pre-season tour.
Arsenal have confirmed the signing of striker Viktor Gyökeres, marking him as a standout acquisition in this transfer window. Gyökeres, who will don the No. 14 jersey, is set to join Arsenal’s squad on their pre-season tour in Asia. The striker’s recent form at Sporting was exceptional, registering 39 goals in Liga Portugal and contributing to their league title victory. Notably, Gyökeres earned international attention following a Champions League hat-trick against Manchester City.
Sporting Director Andrea Berta commented, “We are so pleased with the excellent deal we have completed to bring Viktor Gyökeres to the club. Viktor is an exceptional talent and has consistently demonstrated he has the qualities and winning mentality required of a top-level centre-forward. His physicality, intelligence and work ethic make him a perfect fit for our vision.”
Manager Mikel Arteta added, “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Viktor Gyökeres to the club. The consistency he has shown in his performances and availability have been outstanding, and his goal contributions speak for themselves.”
Arteta further described Gyökeres as “a quick and powerful presence up front, with incredible goalscoring numbers at club and international levels. He brings a clinical edge with a high conversion rate of chances into goals, with his intelligent movement in the box making him a constant threat.”
Gyökeres follows the recent signing of Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia, joining new additions Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Christian Nørgaard as Arsenal strengthens its ranks this summer. Gyökeres could make his debut on July 31 against Tottenham Hotspur in a pre-season friendly.
Arsenal
Dominic Solanke Doubts Manchester United’s Top Four Prospects for 2025–26
Dominic Solanke predicts Manchester United will miss out on the Premier League top four in 2025–26.
Tottenham Hotspur striker Dominic Solanke has expressed skepticism over Manchester United’s chances of securing a top-four finish in the Premier League for the 2025–26 season. Speaking on DA4P’s YouTube channel, Solanke provided his predictions for the teams likely to qualify for the Champions League spots.
Solanke confidently included Tottenham first in his top-four forecast, followed by Liverpool and Manchester City. When questioned about Manchester United’s potential to challenge for a Champions League position next term, Solanke simply replied, “nah,” instead opting to include Arsenal as a contender.
This blunt verdict reflects the ongoing struggles faced by the Red Devils, who endured a difficult previous season. While Solanke’s confidence in Tottenham’s qualification might raise some eyebrows—given their 17th-place finish last season—his assessment of Manchester United aligns with widespread doubts about their immediate recovery under Ruben Amorim’s management.
Solanke’s straightforward response underlines the challenges ahead for Manchester United, suggesting the club faces another challenging campaign outside Europe’s elite competition.
