Viktor Gyokeres at Arsenal: How the Swedish Striker Would Transform Arteta's Attack

Viktor Gyökeres appears set to become Arsenal's latest acquisition following a challenging summer transfer window filled with complex negotiations.

Under Arteta's leadership, the manager has utilized numerous strikers including Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette, Eddie Nketiah, Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz. This roster has been further supplemented through tactical experiments featuring Mikel Merino, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli and peripheral players such as Folarin Balogun.

However, Gyökeres signifies Arsenal's bold gamble in securing a clinical finisher, though the majority of the Swedish forward's impressive statistics originate from Portugal's Liga, which raises questions about competitive standards.

Will Gyökeres provide the missing piece for Arsenal's success both nationally and continentally? Let's examine how the North London club might structure their lineup with this new attacking weapon.

Seamless Integration Into Arteta's Framework

This represents the most probable outcome. The scenario that generates maximum excitement among Arsenal supporters given the substantial volume of opportunities and touches the Gunners create within the opposition penalty area. Position Gyökeres directly into the central striker position with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli (or Noni Madueke) supporting from wide areas.

Gyökeres would assume Havertz's role as the primary attacking focal point, offering enhanced speed and physical presence in advanced positions. While the German possesses slightly superior height and two seasons of experience within Arteta's tactical setup, Gyökeres should adapt smoothly. His tireless work ethic, mobility and stamina establish him as a multi-phase threat. Arsenal's hesitancy in the penalty area should be immediately addressed.

The incoming striker represents a direct threat that commands defensive attention, drawing resources away from the double or triple coverage typically assigned to Martin Ødegaard and Saka. Throughout the previous campaign, players frequently over-complicated situations and made poor choices in crucial areas. While injuries contributed to these issues, the absence of a consistent penalty box presence for simple finishes was evident. Crosses from Saka, Martinelli or Trossard were too often squandered.

Even during Arsenal's initial title pursuit with Jesus leading the attack, the Brazilian was tasked with connecting play in vital zones. Gyökeres will probably face similar expectations, or at minimum draw attention to create additional space or threaten through balls for his runs.

Additionally, his two-footed finishing ability addresses a rare quality in Arsenal's recent squads beyond Trossard.

Dual Striker Formation

Gyökeres's arrival might finally maximize one of Arsenal's most debated recent signings: Havertz.

Havertz's previous season was disrupted by injury, sidelining him for three months. Had he maintained fitness, achieving 20 Premier League goal contributions in his second campaign seemed achievable. The midfield experiment proved short-lived as Arteta eventually deployed him as the primary striker. Could Havertz function as a supporting striker behind Gyökeres? This arrangement would likely reduce Ødegaard's playing time as he'd probably be displaced.

Arsenal could establish midfield stability with Declan Rice adopting a more attacking role while Martin Zubimendi provides defensive coverage. Alternatively, one midfielder could sit deeper with the captain offering increased creativity against weaker opponents.

The Havertz-Gyökeres partnership could form a formidable combination in scenarios designed to further isolate wide players. Combined with attacking fullbacks like Myles Lewis-Skelly and Jurrien Timber, this presents an intriguing tactical option that supporters might witness not from kickoff, but during matches when Arsenal require goals.

Enhanced Attacking Possibilities

The fundamental requirement is that Gyökeres must deliver goals while enhancing rather than diminishing teammates' contributions. Arsenal have historically succeeded in scoring without a traditional striker. Now, with one available, those goals must catalyze major silverware. Reduced defensive focus on Saka should liberate Arsenal's star player in attacking areas and grant Ødegaard greater creative freedom.

Regarding Ødegaard specifically, the captain faced enormous pressure following an early-season ankle injury. When attacking personnel suffered injuries, Ødegaard was expected to shoulder the goal-scoring burden. His performance in crucial moments left room for improvement, particularly as opponents focused on neutralizing the right flank entirely.

Having a striker capable of threatening runs behind the defense should theoretically provide Ødegaard additional space for counter-attacking movements. In these situations, he must demonstrate clinical precision in delivering decisive passes or taking crucial shots.