When Viktor Gyökeres arrived in North London from Sporting CP in the summer of 2025, he carried the weight of a specific, desperate expectation: to be the clinical “20-goal forward” that Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal had lacked during three consecutive second-place finishes. After a historic campaign in Portugal where he netted 54 goals in 52 games, the Swedish international was viewed as the final piece of the puzzle for a title charge.
However, the transition to the Premier League was far from seamless. The stark tactical difference between the Portuguese champions and Arteta’s rigid system led to early scrutiny and questions about whether Gyökeres was struggling to adapt or simply being misused. Now, as the 2025/26 season enters its final stretch, the narrative around the striker is shifting from one of doubt to one of redemption.
The Adaptation Struggle: From Lisbon to London
The initial months at the Emirates were a sobering reality check for the striker. Unlike his role at Sporting, where he was the focal point of every attacking move, Gyökeres found himself integrated into a more fluid, collective system. By January 2026, BBC Sport reported that he had managed only seven goals across all competitions, sparking a debate among fans and pundits about his suitability for the English game.
Critics pointed to a perceived lack of chemistry with the midfield and a struggle to find space against the deeper defensive lines typical of Premier League opponents. While Mikel Arteta publicly insisted that the striker was improving the overall team dynamic, the lack of a prolific goal return made the missing piece
argument feel premature.
Turning the Tide: The Spring Surge
The momentum shifted in early 2026. Gyökeres began to find the rhythm that had made him a sensation in Portugal, blending his physical dominance with improved spatial awareness in the box. A pivotal turning point came in February, when he scored twice in a 3-0 victory over Sunderland, helping Arsenal move nine points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table.
According to reporting from Football London, the striker recorded eight goal contributions in eight consecutive games during this purple patch. This surge in form suggested that the adaptation period was finally over and that the Swedish forward had decoded the Premier League’s defensive patterns.
By the Numbers: 2025/26 Campaign
The statistical profile of Gyökeres’ first season reflects a tale of two halves. While he didn’t immediately replicate his 50+ goal haul from Portugal, his impact grew as the season progressed:
- Premier League Goals: 11 goals in 29 matches.
- Playing Time: Approximately 1,900 minutes played.
- Market Value: Peaked at
€79.9M
in August 2025, currently sitting at€75.1M
according to FotMob. - Overall Impact: 18 goals and two assists in 48 total appearances across all competitions.
The Future: Stability or Sale?
Despite the recent upturn in form, the striker’s future remains a topic of intense speculation. In a surprising twist, reports from CaughtOffside and Daily Arsenal suggest that the club may be open to listening to offers this summer. This potential pivot is jarring, given the investment of approximately £63m and the player’s recent goal-scoring streak.
The tension lies in whether Arsenal views Gyökeres as a long-term cornerstone or a high-value asset that could be liquidated if a more “perfect” tactical fit emerges. For the player, the goal remains clear: proving that his ceiling in England is as high as it was in Lisbon.
Key Takeaways
- High Expectations: Joined Arsenal in Summer 2025 after a 54-goal season at Sporting CP.
- Initial Struggle: Faced criticism in early 2026 for a slow start, scoring only seven goals by January.
- Recent Form: Responded with a strong run of eight goal contributions in eight games by February 2026.
- Current Status: Despite a resurgence, rumors persist that Arsenal may consider summer offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Viktor Gyökeres struggle initially at Arsenal?
The primary challenge was the tactical shift from Sporting CP’s system, where he was the central focus, to Mikel Arteta’s more collective and structured approach at Arsenal.
How many goals has Gyökeres scored in the Premier League for the 25/26 season?
He has registered 11 goals in 29 matches during the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.
Is Viktor Gyökeres leaving Arsenal?
While there are reports that Arsenal may listen to offers in the summer of 2026, no official transfer has been confirmed, and the player’s recent form has made him vital to the current title race.
Final Analysis
Viktor Gyökeres has largely silenced the critics who claimed he was merely a “system player” in Portugal. By navigating the brutal learning curve of the Premier League and delivering critical goals in the run-in, he has proven his quality. However, the volatility of the transfer market and Arsenal’s pursuit of perfection mean his tenure in North London remains an open question. If he continues his current trajectory, he won’t just be a successful signing—he’ll be the catalyst for a long-awaited trophy.