Arsenal‘s quest for a Premier League title faces renewed skepticism, with former player Paul Dickov suggesting new signing Viktor Gyokeres isn’t the Erling Haaland-esque No.9 the club needs. This comes after Mikel Arteta’s side reportedly squandered a significant nine-point lead this 2025-26 season. It seems the familiar pain of a late-season collapse is back at the Emirates.
Dickov, who played for both Arsenal and Manchester City, gave his exclusive thoughts to Goal.com. He feels the £55 million Swedish striker, brought in during 2025, just doesn’t offer the clinical edge seen in Manchester City’s prolific forward. Dickov’s comments were made in association with betting partner MrQ.
The Haaland Standard
Dickov’s argument is straightforward. Arsenal brought in Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz, and yes, they’re “fantastic” players. But Dickov believes they lack a “cutting edge” like Haaland. He points to Haaland’s knack for scoring in the 91st minute. That kind of goal, he says, builds team-wide confidence.
Manchester City’s dominance, fueled by Haaland’s goal-scoring, has set a new benchmark. Arsenal’s issues, apparently, stem from not having that one player who can consistently deliver a game-changing moment. It’s about that ruthless instinct in front of goal.
Arsenal’s Persistent Striker Search
Arsenal’s search for a top-tier striker has been a long story. They missed out on the title in prior seasons, and a lack of goals from players like Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah was a factor. This led to the significant £55 million investment in Gyokeres from Sporting CP in 2025.
He had a remarkable 43 goals in Portugal the season before, so the talent is there. And it was Arsenal’s biggest outlay for a striker. But the pressure to deliver a title-winning season is immense, especially after a nine-point lead melted away. This all echoes past failures, like finishing second in 2023-24 without a natural 20+ goal scorer.
Differing Views on Gyokeres’ Impact
Not everyone shares Dickov’s doubts about Gyokeres. Arsene Wenger, the Arsenal legend, has called Gyokeres a “top striker.” But even Wenger, according to JustArsenal, suggests Arsenal needed more to secure the league title. He hinted a “Liverpool-esque” signing could’ve made the difference.
Patrick Vieira, another former Arsenal captain, remains optimistic. He believes Gyokeres “has more to give” and predicts he’ll “flourish” towards the end of the season. Tribal Football reported on Vieira’s backing. These contrasting opinions show the division around Gyokeres.
What Next for the Gunners?
The headline about Viktor Gyokeres amplifies pressure on manager Mikel Arteta and on the player himself. It’s not helping morale during a title race that’s slipping away. Arsenal now faces a focus on Champions League football, which means more high-stakes matches.
The transfer window for January 2026 will undoubtedly bring more speculation. Fans on forums are divided, some agreeing with Dickov, others calling for patience. Arsenal might need another £100m+ striker, like past links to Victor Osimhen, if Gyokeres doesn’t turn things around. That could put financial strain on the club. The competition with City and Liverpool means Arsenal needs an ultimate striker upgrade.
