Chris Waddle, former English player for Tottenham, Newcastle and Marseille, believes Viktor Gyokeres would struggle to adapt to the Premier League and that Arsenal should consider selling him.

Despite inconsistent performances under Mikel Arteta, Gyokeres scored 21 goals in his debut season at Arsenal, becoming the team's top scorer.

Arsenal rejected offers for him last summer, insisting he was not for sale, though he has since lost his starting position to fellow forward Kai Havertz. However, reports this month suggest the Gunners would consider selling the Swedish striker if a sufficiently high offer were received.

This could include the January transfer window, meaning Arsenal could reinvest the funds in another attacker. A potential target could be Julián Álvarez of Atlético Madrid, with whom Arsenal was linked last summer.

In an interview with Betpack, Waddle revealed his belief that Gyokeres has never fully adapted to Arsenal and may leave if a substantial offer comes in.

"I found the Gyokeres signing a bit surprising at the time. I know he had fantastic goalscoring numbers at Sporting, but to be honest, there are only three strong teams in Portugal, and the league's top scorer usually comes from one of those three.

"He fitted well at Sporting, where the team dominated most matches, and his goalscoring record is really impressive, there's no denying that. But when I saw him play for Coventry, I thought he was decent, but I never saw him as a top Premier League player.

"Many people say he's a hard worker, but I just don't think the Premier League suits him completely. Maybe it's different in Portugal; their style of play is different, and being in a team that dominates every game suits him better.

"I'm not saying Arsenal doesn't dominate, but he just doesn't seem to fit. Whether it's the English style of play or the nature of the Premier League itself, many players who shine abroad find it difficult to adapt when they come to this league.

"It could be a confidence issue. He understands English football because he played for Coventry before, so it's not completely unfamiliar. I think if someone makes a decent offer for him, Arsenal would certainly think seriously about it. But if it's Everton or Newcastle? I'm not sure he really fits the overall Premier League environment."

Havertz subsequently suffered a thigh tendon injury while playing for Germany. Gyokeres could return to the squad after the international break.

Traduzido por IA.

O site do AF já está online! Acesse notícias completas, comentários, detalhes de partidas e estatísticas no seu computador. Acesse: www.allfootballapp.com