Viktor Gyokeres is facing a challenging start to his career at Arsenal, leading to a decline in his market value. After transferring from Sporting CP for a total fee of £55 million plus bonuses, his valuation has dropped from £65.2 million to £60.8 million, according to Transfermarkt.
Arsenal’s Investment in Gyokeres
Arsenal’s deal for Gyokeres included performance bonuses amounting to nearly £8.6 million. The Gunners agreed to pay additional fees totaling up to £4.3 million, depending on his number of appearances. Each time he plays 20 matches, with at least 45 minutes per game, further payments will be triggered.
- Initial transfer fee: £55 million
- Total fees including bonuses: Approximately £63.5 million (€63.5m)
- Current market value: £60.8 million
- Goals scored: 9 in 28 games
Challenges on the Field
Despite a strong goalscoring record in Portugal, Gyokeres has struggled to adapt to the Premier League. He has scored only five league goals so far. His integration into the team’s offensive strategies remains a work in progress. Manager Mikel Arteta has expressed confidence in Gyokeres, citing a disrupted pre-season and injuries as contributing factors to his slow start.
Arteta’s Support for Gyokeres
Arteta has noted positive developments in Gyokeres’ recent performances. He believes that with time, the striker will better acclimate to the league’s demands. Arteta stated, “He had no pre-season… He had a very good period and then got injured, but now he is back.”
Support from Former Players
Emmanuel Eboue, a former Arsenal player, has shared insights about Gyokeres’ potential. He called for better coordination among the wingers to utilize Gyokeres’ strengths effectively. “He is a very good striker… The problem is that the wingers don’t use him often enough,” Eboue remarked.
As of now, Gyokeres remains Arsenal’s top scorer in the league, alongside teammate Leandro Trossard. Other players, including Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, are just one goal behind him. The Gunners will aim to leverage Gyokeres’ abilities as they progress through the season.
