Leading Goal Scorers in Europe’s Top 10 Leagues
©IMAGO
Arsenal is reportedly close to securing a new striker, responding to long-standing calls from fans for a new number 9. The Gunners are in advanced negotiations to sign Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting, known for his exceptional goal-scoring prowess. According to The Athletic, personal terms have been agreed with Gyökeres on a five-year contract, and discussions regarding the transfer fee between the two clubs are ongoing. Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, is keen to finalize the deal swiftly as the team prepares for pre-season training this July.
Previously, Arsenal had been interested in RB Leipzig’s striker Benjamin Sesko, but the club’s unwillingness to lower their asking price for the Slovenian has led the Gunners to shift their focus to Gyökeres. Andrea Berta, Arsenal’s new Sporting Director, has admired Gyökeres for some time. The Swedish international was acquired by Sporting from Coventry in 2023 for €24 million and has been exceptionally successful during his two seasons in Portugal. Now valued at €75 million, Gyökeres has outscored any player in Europe’s top 10 leagues since joining Sporting. The question remains: can the 27-year-old translate his impressive Liga Portugal statistics to the highly competitive Premier League?
Can Viktor Gyökeres Maintain His Scoring Form in the Premier League?
As highlighted in the graphic above, Viktor Gyökeres has netted an impressive 68 goals in just 66 appearances across the last two seasons—more than any other player in Europe’s top 10 leagues. Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane is the closest competitor with 62 goals. However, these figures alone don’t guarantee success for Gyökeres at Arsenal. The level of competition in Liga Portugal is considerably lower than that of the Premier League, and Gyökeres has yet to compete in any of the top five leagues (Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, Ligue 1) throughout his career.
It’s also important to note that 17 of his 68 goals came from penalty kicks. On the flip side, Arteta has demonstrated his ability to adapt players to new roles; he effectively utilized midfielder Mikel Merino in an attacking position and transformed Kai Havertz into a striker during their time at Arsenal. If Arteta can achieve such results with players inexperienced in the position, there’s a belief that he can harness the talent of a natural scorer like Gyökeres.
Given that Gyökeres is 27, expectations will be high for him to make an immediate impact in London. Arsenal is eager for results and hopes that Gyökeres can replicate his successful form from Portugal, helping the club secure a major trophy once again.
