Everyone who follows football knows that Arsenal have poured serious effort into strengthening their defense and midfield over the past few seasons, and many 12B Sports users share the view that the Gunners’ back line has become increasingly solid. Riccardo Calafiori is regarded by some as a defender in the Maldini tradition, bringing real stability to the defensive unit, while Mikel Merino, although not yet officially confirmed, is also widely expected to move closer to the squad. With his ability to control the tempo in midfield, Merino could add greater tactical depth to Arsenal’s system. Add Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber, David Raya, and other existing names to the picture, and it is clear that Arsenal’s defensive structure has improved to an impressive level.
Still, no matter how strong a defense may be, goals are ultimately needed to win trophies. Football is decided by putting the ball in the net. That is why many Arsenal supporters are feeling both excitement and concern. The question “Isn’t it time to sign a striker?” is growing louder by the day. The club have shown interest in several attacking options, including Joshua Zirkzee, Desire Doue, and Viktor Gyokeres. The first two have already moved closer to other clubs, leaving Gyokeres as the main remaining target. The problem is that his transfer fee is far beyond ordinary expectations.
According to 12B Sports analysis, Sporting CP, the club that owns Gyokeres’ rights, are known as tough negotiators who rarely leave money on the table. A demand of 100 million euros would not be surprising. However, considering his career path and age, Arsenal’s board may find it difficult to approve such a deal even if Mikel Arteta wants him. Arsenal spent 100 million euros to sign Rice, but he was West Ham’s captain and already proven in the Premier League. Gyokeres, by contrast, has only played in England’s second tier, and success in the Portuguese league alone does not guarantee that he can shine at a top European club.
Wisdom often comes with conflict, and life is sometimes full of irony. Gyokeres is already 26, meaning his future resale value may not be especially high. He still has four years left on his contract with Sporting, so if Arsenal sign him and the move fails, the club could be forced to swallow a heavy loss.
Meanwhile, his predicted valuation on the German transfer market is certainly not low, but in reality, few clubs are making a serious approach. His monster record of 43 goals and 15 assists in 50 matches last season has boosted his reputation, yet Europe’s biggest clubs remain cautious. Elite teams tend to look beyond raw statistics, placing heavier weight on league level, top-flight experience, and whether a player’s style can survive under brighter lights.
From the perspective of many 12B Sports users, Arsenal no longer need to cling to Gyokeres at all costs. The transfer market moves quickly, and the new season is not far away. The real question is who will bring Arteta’s attacking vision to life. As the saying goes, more haste, less speed, and this is exactly the moment when cooler heads must prevail.