Arsenal fans are growing increasingly restless as the wait for Viktor Gyökeres’ official unveiling continues. With the club announcing Noni Madueke on Friday, supporters had hoped that Gyökeres would follow shortly after. But the Swede remains absent from the club’s social feeds, and even more tellingly, from the squad that flew out to Asia for the pre-season tour.
While Madueke’s £52m arrival from Chelsea has added depth and competition on the flanks, the striker situation remains unresolved. Mikel Arteta was clear he wanted Gyökeres signed in time for pre-season. Yet here we are, with Arsenal still locked in negotiations with Sporting CP over the fine details of the deal.
Gyökeres growing frustrated as delay continues
TBR Football’s Graeme Bailey has revealed that Gyökeres is now growing frustrated. It’s not about the money, or a change of heart he’s simply eager to join up with his new teammates and get started. From a professional perspective, he feels like he should already be part of the Arsenal camp. Instead, he’s watching from a distance while the team prepares for the new season without him.
Arsenal aren’t panicking. They believe the deal is still firmly on course. The structure of the transfer has been largely agreed for over a week. But final negotiations with Sporting have dragged on, and with every day that passes, Gyökeres is missing out on valuable time with the squad.
Bailey said: “Arsenal are staying calm, I need to emphasise that – they admit some deals are just easier than others.
“In terms of the player, I am told Gyokeres himself is frustrated – but his people point out that is just from a professional standpoint – he wants to be with Arsenal now, he just wants to be with his new teammates.
“Arsenal are so far down the line with this, it really is just the finer details – this time last week they thought it was done and could not imagine it running to this weekend.”
Arteta’s plans could be impacted
There’s no question that Arsenal still see Gyökeres as their main striker signing for this summer. However, with the clock ticking, Arteta may have no choice but to start the season with Kai Havertz leading the line once again especially with a tough opening day fixture at Old Trafford against Manchester United.
Havertz impressed last season and has Arteta’s full backing, but the longer Arsenal wait to integrate Gyökeres, the harder it becomes to justify his immediate inclusion. Match fitness, chemistry, and tactical understanding all take time to build. Missing pre-season doesn’t help anyon except Sporting, who could yet squeeze a few more million out of the deal.
Author Opinion
Arsenal have been patient in pursuit of their new No.9, but the Gyökeres saga needs to wrap up soon. With fans getting anxious and the player himself itching to get started, this delay risks undermining the smooth summer business the Gunners have pulled off so far. A resolution this week feels crucial, not just for the fanbase, but for the squad’s balance heading into the new campaign.
