BREAKING NEWS: Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke has voiced his frustration with Mikel Arteta for allowing a highly talented goal-scorer to leave the club on a free transfer. The player has outperformed Kai Havertz, amassing 15 goals and assists in just seven games since departing Arsenal.

Arsenal may have let a golden opportunity slip by in their pursuit of one of Europe’s most promising talents, Viktor Gyokeres. The club, led by manager Mikel Arteta and Director of Football Edu Gaspar, chose not to pursue the Swedish striker during the summer transfer window, primarily due to concerns over his high release clause.

According to football insider Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal deemed Gyokeres “too expensive,” as his release clause was set at £86 million. This hefty price tag made the Gunners reconsider their approach, with Romano suggesting they were instead in the market for a different type of winger to back up Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka. Eventually, Raheem Sterling joined Arsenal on loan from Chelsea as a more affordable option.

However, Gyokeres has since demonstrated that he may have been worth the investment after all. His performances for Sporting CP in the 2024/25 season have been nothing short of sensational. In just five matches, he has scored seven goals and provided three assists, making him one of the standout players in Europe this season.

Additionally, Gyokeres has impressed on the international stage, contributing three goals and two assists in Sweden’s UEFA Nations League matches. His combined total for the season so far stands at an extraordinary 10 goals and five assists in just seven appearances. This follows a stellar 2023/24 campaign, where he netted 43 goals and added 15 assists across 50 games.

While Arsenal passed on Gyokeres this summer, the club might have a chance to sign him in the future. Although Europe’s elite clubs may soon show interest, the presence of high-profile strikers like Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, and Erling Haaland at top clubs could reduce the immediate competition for his signature.

If Arsenal finds themselves struggling for goals again, Arteta may reconsider triggering Gyokeres’ £86 million release clause next summer. The Swedish striker could become the prolific goal-scorer Arsenal needs to secure victories in tight matches, potentially transforming the Gunners’ fortunes in the seasons ahead.