Jose Mourinho, the former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham manager, has issued a stern warning to Arsenal regarding their imminent signing of Sweden international Viktor Gyokeres. The Portuguese manager suggests that Gyokeres could struggle against 'stronger teams and better players' in the Premier League.
The Gunners are set to sign Gyokeres after agreeing on a deal worth €63.5million (£54.8m), plus €10m (£8.6m) in add-ons earlier this month. This transfer saga has been one of the most significant of the summer, with its specific structure causing delays but now back on track for confirmation.
Arsenal's need for a centre forward is well-known among sports fans, with many believing that a prolific finisher up front can finally help them secure victories in both the Premier League and Champions League.
Ruthless finisher
Gyokeres comes with an impressive record having scored 54 goals in 52 appearances last season alone. However, despite rating him as a 'great player', Mourinho believes he now faces a much tougher challenge in England's top-flight league.
In an interview with Portugal’s Canal 11, Mourinho noted that at Sporting Lisbon - his previous club - Gyokeres had been part of a team built around him under managers Ruben Amorim and Rui Borges who ‘adapted’ their other players to suit his needs as striker.
Jose Mourinho, Fenerbahce manager, said:
‘He’s a great player. I have no doubt. But Sporting had a way of playing very much around him, very adapted. I don’t know what Hugo Viana and Ruben [Amorim] initially thought; he’s a player with great potential.
‘But in England, he’ll play against stronger teams, better players.’
Despite having only eyes for Arsenal, there have been strong links between 26-year-old Gyokeres and several other clubs including Manchester United, Juventus and even Saudi Arabian clubs along with Mourinho’s own Fenerbahce. A public dispute between Sporting Lisbon management team led by Hasan Cetinkaya (Gyorkeres' agent), Gyokeres and the Portuguese media was also a significant part of this transfer saga. The club was accused of failing to deliver on transfer promises made last year, leading to Gyokeres refusing to return for pre-season training and even threatening legal action.
Mourinho's take on the transfer saga
Mourinho, who has been observing the situation from afar, criticized the 'lies' that became part of this transfer story. He described it as a 'war', highlighting the bitter stand-off between Gyokeres and Sporting Lisbon.
While Arsenal fans eagerly await their new centre forward's arrival, Mourinho's warning suggests that Viktor Gyokeres will face a stern test in his Premier League journey. Only time will tell if he can replicate his ruthless goal-scoring record in England’s top-flight league.
