Report: Man City’s Forward Search May Block Arsenal Ambitions | OneFootball

Manchester City’s Potential Gyokeres Move Could Foil Arsenal’s Transfer Plans

Manchester City have their eyes set on an intriguing new target, Viktor Gyokeres, the Swedish forward currently thriving at Sporting Lisbon. While the 26-year-old is reportedly being lined up as a replacement for Erling Haaland, this development could inadvertently disrupt Arsenal’s own transfer ambitions.

Haaland has been an absolute goal machine since joining City in 2022, scoring a staggering 101 goals in 109 appearances. His contribution has helped City secure two Premier League titles, the Champions League, and the FA Cup. However, rumours are swirling that the Norwegian may be tempted by a move to Real Madrid, a club that has long admired him.

Haaland’s Future: Real Madrid Circles

It’s no secret that Real Madrid has been eyeing Haaland for some time. As reported by Sky Sports, Haaland has a €150 million (£125 million) release clause, and with his current contract running until 2027, the prospect of a move to Madrid in 2026 is becoming more realistic. City, despite their efforts, have yet to secure Haaland on a new deal. Should he leave for Spain, it would create a massive void at the Etihad.

This is where Viktor Gyokeres comes in. Having scored 55 goals in 62 games for Sporting Lisbon, the Swedish international is quickly becoming one of Europe’s hottest properties. As The Mirror reported, City are already in contact with Gyokeres’ representatives, potentially making him the heir to Haaland’s throne.

Photo: IMAGO

Arsenal’s Plans Compromised?

Gyokeres’ potential move to City could throw a spanner in the works for Arsenal, who have reportedly been monitoring the forward as a possible addition to their own attack. The Gunners have been actively seeking reinforcements to compete at the highest levels of both domestic and European competitions. Losing out on a key target to a Premier League rival could be a significant blow to Arsenal’s long-term strategy.

Hugo Viana’s Influence at City

Another layer to this story is the involvement of Hugo Viana, Sporting’s current director of football. Viana is set to join Manchester City at the end of the season, replacing Txiki Begiristain, who has held the role for 12 years. As City confirmed, Viana will work alongside Begiristain to ensure a seamless transition. His appointment could further facilitate a smooth move for Gyokeres, especially given his close ties to Sporting Lisbon.

Photo IMAGO

Viana’s influence at Sporting has been key to their recent success, and his new position at City may accelerate negotiations to bring Gyokeres to Manchester. “We look forward to paying tribute to Txiki’s outstanding contribution to Manchester City at the end of the season,” City said in a statement, highlighting the importance of this leadership transition.

The Future of Manchester City’s Attack

Should Haaland move to Madrid and Gyokeres arrive at City, it could signal a new era for Pep Guardiola’s attack. Gyokeres, while a different type of player to Haaland, offers versatility and an impressive goal-scoring record. For Arsenal, however, this could mean having to go back to the drawing board as their transfer plans are once again thwarted by the relentless machine that is Manchester City.

Statistical Analysis by EPL Index: Viktor Gyökeres’ Performance Data and Stats

Viktor Gyökeres’ Attacking Prowess

Viktor Gyökeres has emerged as one of Europe’s standout forwards, and his performance data, as depicted by Fbref, offers further insight into his remarkable ability in front of goal. With non-penalty expected goals (npxG) and actual non-penalty goals both ranked in the 97th percentile, Gyökeres has proven himself to be an efficient and reliable scorer. His assists (94th percentile) and expected assisted goals (xAG) in the 97th percentile further highlight his all-around attacking threat, providing both goals and creativity for his teammates.

Even more impressive are his shot-creating actions, which rank in the 99th percentile. This stat underlines Gyökeres’ ability to influence play and consistently be involved in offensive actions. Whether it’s getting into dangerous positions or creating space for others, his attacking metrics reflect a player who excels in contributing to the team’s offensive output.

Possession and Progression Metrics

Gyökeres’ importance extends beyond his goal-scoring contributions. His role in progressing the ball is highlighted by his top-tier statistics for progressive carries (99th percentile) and progressive passes received (99th percentile). These metrics demonstrate his ability to be a focal point for his team’s transitions, carrying the ball forward or positioning himself effectively to receive dangerous passes. His successful take-ons (89th percentile) show his capacity to beat defenders, making him a significant threat in one-on-one situations.

However, his pass completion percentage ranks lower at 47%, suggesting that while he excels in taking risks, there is some room for improvement in terms of accuracy.

Defensive Contributions

While Gyökeres is a force in attack, his defensive contributions are relatively modest. His aerial duels won (70th percentile) suggest decent strength in the air, but other defensive metrics such as tackles and interceptions (3rd percentile) indicate that his focus lies firmly on the attacking side of the game.