Arsenal made a mistake by signing Viktor Gyokeres

Arsenal is viewed as having made a wrong move by recruiting Viktor Gyokeres, whereas Julian Alvarez, the missed target, is excelling spectacularly with Atletico Madrid, leaving supporters disappointed.

Ahead of the big showdown with Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, the English media collectively recalled the transfer story that Arsenal regrets: they had the chance to sign Julian Alvarez but ultimately chose Viktor Gyokeres. Now, with Alvarez performing brilliantly for Atletico, the comparison is all the more bitter for coach Mikel Arteta.

During the summer 2025 transfer window, Arsenal was eager to bring in a top-class striker to solve their scoring problem. Their two main targets were Benjamin Sesko from Leipzig and Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP. However, Atletico Madrid was also open to offers for Julian Alvarez, who had left Man City less than a year ago.

Nevertheless, due to budget limits and concerns over a transfer fee exceeding £80 million, Arsenal withdrew. They settled on Gyokeres for about £60 million, believing the Swedish striker would quickly adapt and deliver immediate results.

In reality, after more than 10 matches, Gyokeres has scored only 3 goals and is currently going through a 9-game goal drought. Although Arteta remains patient and defends his player, asserting “an Arsenal number 9 must have the resilience to handle pressure when not scoring,” it is clear that his performance has not met fans’ expectations.

In contrast, Alvarez is exploding in form at Atletico Madrid. By mid-October, the Argentine forward had scored 7 goals and provided 3 assists in 10 games. He has become a key playmaker under coach Diego Simeone, significantly contributing to Atletico’s resurgence in La Liga and the Champions League.

Ironically, Alvarez not only scores consistently but also displays the demeanor of a major star that Arsenal desperately desires in their attack. Many experts believe that if the “Gunners” had been more decisive in this transfer, they would have secured a complete striker instead of still struggling with their scoring issues.

As Arsenal prepares to face Atletico, Alvarez has the chance to “remind” Arteta of his transfer mistake—a costly reminder that sometimes the opportunity to acquire a top star only comes once.