Arsenal Legend Delivers Brutal Truth About Viktor Gyokeres' Future
Arsenal forward Viktor Gyökeres is expected to make his first appearance at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, with backing from one of the club's iconic strikers and ambassadors.
Ian Wright, who won the Premier League and lifted the FA Cup twice with Arsenal, stands as the club's second-highest scorer in history with 158 goals. Speaking on the SDS podcast, the Arsenal icon expressed confidence in the Swedish striker's potential for success in his debut campaign, drawing parallels between their respective journeys.
"I heard Mark Robins from Coventry mention that whenever Gyökeres trained, he appeared like someone racing against time, eager and determined, needing to catch up, and I completely understood that feeling because when I arrived at Arsenal I realized I was somewhere I could make up for lost time," Wright explained.
Wright also addressed discussions about Gyökeres's scoring record in Liga Portugal. The Swedish international netted 97 goals in 102 matches for Sporting Lisbon, though critics questioned the significance of his numbers due to the league's competitive standard.
"People are discussing the division Gyökeres competed in and claiming he doesn't find the net against quality opposition, only converts spot kicks, and so on... none of that matters. What I've learned and what I appreciated hearing about Gyökeres is that this player genuinely wants to be here. I had that same desire because I understood that once I joined these teammates and they provided opportunities, I would capitalize on them. My entire focus was on finding the target and converting chances," Wright explained.
"Looking at Gyokeres, I recognize that mindset and if he possesses similar qualities to what I had, he's probably eager to get started because he understands what lies ahead."
Gyökeres may debut at the Emirates Stadium during a preseason match against Villarreal on Wednesday. Whether coming off the substitutes' bench or starting the game, the Swedish striker will likely receive an enthusiastic welcome considering Arsenal's prolonged search for striker reinforcements in recent years.