BREAKING NEWS: Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke has expressed frustration with Mikel Arteta for allowing a standout goal-scorer to leave the club for free. The player in question has since outperformed Kai Havertz in terms of goal-scoring, amassing 15 goals and assists in just seven games.

Arsenal may have overlooked a significant opportunity to sign one of Europe’s emerging talents before the competition for his services intensified.

Manager Mikel Arteta and Arsenal’s Director of Football, Edu Gaspar, chose not to pursue Viktor Gyökeres during the summer transfer window due to his high price tag. However, Gyökeres is now demonstrating that he is worth the hefty £86 million valuation after a remarkable start to the 2024/25 season.

Arsenal might soon regret their decision not to secure Gyökeres in the summer. Football insider Fabrizio Romano reported that the Gunners decided against pursuing him, finding his release clause too steep.

Romano noted, “Arsenal could consider adding another attacking player, but likely not one as costly as Viktor Gyökeres. They might look for a new winger or a different type of player to provide fresh energy behind Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.”

Romano’s prediction came true as Arsenal opted to sign Raheem Sterling on loan from Chelsea instead. However, with the season underway, Arsenal might be reconsidering their decision to pass on Gyökeres.

The Swedish striker has had an explosive start to the 2024/25 season, netting seven goals and providing three assists in just five games for Sporting CP. Additionally, Gyökeres recently scored three goals and provided two assists in two UEFA Nations League matches for Sweden, totaling an impressive 10 goals and five assists in just seven appearances this season.

These remarkable statistics follow a previous season where Gyökeres scored 43 goals and provided 15 assists in 50 games. This prolific record makes Arsenal’s decision not to pursue him even harder to justify.

Although Arsenal missed out on him this summer, they may have another opportunity to sign Gyökeres. With some of Europe’s top clubs already well-stocked with elite strikers—such as Real Madrid with Kylian Mbappé, Bayern Munich with Harry Kane, and Manchester City with Erling Haaland—the competition might not be as intense next summer.

If Arsenal struggles to find a reliable striker this season, Mikel Arteta might be tempted to activate Gyökeres’ £86 million release clause next summer. His exceptional finishing ability could provide the crucial firepower Arsenal needs to secure vital points, particularly in challenging matches where their performance may falter.