Arsenal legend hopes Gyokeres signing will take team to next level

Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith says he hopes the impending signing of Viktor Gyokeres will elevate Arsenal to the next level.

The Gunners have finished runners-up in the Premier League for the last three campaigns, with constant murmurings about the lack of a recognised centre forward in the team. Gabriel Jesus’ injury hit time in north London along with Kai Havertz’s switch to the striker role has seen Arsenal fans call on their club to finally sign a out-and-out striker.

That is all set to change with The Athletic’s David Ornstein revealing that Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres is on the verge of joining Mikel Arteta’s side after a summer of speculation.

Smith is adamant the Swedish international is the final piece in the jigsaw for his former side to finally take the much anticipated next step.

“I would hope so,” Smith said. “I can imagine the player wants to come to the Gunners. Champions League football, a brilliant club, and a team that is hopefully going places under (Mikel) Arteta making the next step.

“He’s the kind of player who can elevate a team, elevate results. He’ll be chomping at the bit, I bet he’s desperate to get over and start work.

“A centre forward of real quality would make a big, big difference, a presence in the box. We have false nines, wide players, but we need someone to snap up those chances and turn opposing defences.

“So often was it played in front of opposing defences, so somebody that will worry defenders, threaten their shoulders, and a good finisher. He’s certainly that.

“Arsenal would need to tweak the way they play to fit him in, in order to service his qualities. Get the ball into him quickly, balls to chase, not everything to feet all the time, but I’m sure they’d do that, Arteta is a very clever coach.

“If you get him into that team it would give everyone a lift, once he gets a few goals it would give that squad and changing a lift into believing they can take that next vital step.”

Alan Smith was talking to HaytersTV in association with William Hill – https://sports.williamhill.com/betting/en-gb/football