Viktor Gyokeres is experiencing a significant dip in his transfer market valuation following a challenging start to his Arsenal career, with the striker's worth falling by several million pounds since his high-profile summer arrival.
Market Value Decline for Gunners' Striker
According to the latest figures from Transfermarkt, Gyokeres' valuation has dropped from £65.2 million to £60.8 million, representing a noticeable decrease for the Swedish international who joined Arsenal from Sporting CP during the summer transfer window. The Gunners secured his services for an initial £55 million fee, with additional performance-related bonuses potentially taking the total package to approximately £63.6 million.
Performance Struggles in North London
The 27-year-old forward has found it difficult to replicate the sensational form he displayed in Portugal, where he maintained a remarkable goal-per-game ratio. Since returning to British football with Arsenal, Gyokeres has managed nine goals across 28 appearances in all competitions, with just five of those coming in Premier League matches.
His integration into Mikel Arteta's system has proven problematic, with the striker frequently appearing isolated during attacking phases and struggling to consistently influence matches. Despite these difficulties, Gyokeres remains Arsenal's joint-top Premier League scorer alongside Leandro Trossard, with several midfielders including Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka just one goal behind.
Arteta's Perspective on Adaptation Challenges
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has publicly defended his summer signing, pointing to specific circumstances that have hampered Gyokeres' adaptation to English football. The Spanish tactician highlighted how the striker's disrupted pre-season preparation, following his attempts to engineer a departure from Sporting CP, combined with subsequent injury setbacks, have prevented him from reaching optimal match fitness.
"He had no pre-season, the first few weeks were difficult because physically he wasn't in his best state and he is a player that needs that to perform at the level," Arteta explained recently. "Then he kicked on, had a very good period and then got injured, but now he is back. I saw a lot of positive things in the last two games that he has done."
Contractual Obligations and Performance Bonuses
The transfer agreement between Arsenal and Sporting CP includes specific performance-related clauses that are already being activated. According to the original arrangement, the Portuguese club receives approximately £1.08 million each time Gyokeres reaches 20 appearances where he plays for 45 minutes or longer, with this particular bonus capped at around £4.3 million.
Arsenal have already begun contributing toward these additional payments, though the club hierarchy will undoubtedly be hoping for improved on-field returns from their substantial investment as the season progresses into its crucial latter stages.
Former Players Weigh In on Utilization
Former Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboue has offered his perspective on Gyokeres' struggles, suggesting that the team's attacking players need to provide better service to their centre-forward. "I watched him a lot when he played in Portugal and he is a very good striker," Eboue commented. "He is strong, but the problem is that the wingers don't use him often enough. All of them want to score, but he is the striker. His job is to score."
The ex-Gunner drew parallels with his own playing days, recalling how legendary striker Thierry Henry would remind teammates of their respective roles: "Henry always told me, Clichy, Ashley Cole and all the other guys, that he was the striker. He needed to score. He told us that he knew we wanted to score, but our job was not to score. Our job was to produce chances."
As Arsenal continue their pursuit of domestic and European success, all eyes will be on whether Gyokeres can rediscover his prolific scoring touch and justify both his transfer fee and the faith shown by Arteta during the remaining months of the campaign.
