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Former Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson believes signing Viktor Gyokeres is a "real feather" in Arsenal's cap.
The Gunners confirmed the signing of Gyokeres on Saturday, handing him a long-term contract and the No. 14 jersey. Arsenal has paid Sporting Lisbon around $85 million for the 27-year-old striker, who's scored goals for fun over the last few years.
Mikel Arteta and his players are desperate to finally clinch the Premier League title this coming season, with Arne Slot and his Liverpool team expected to be one of their big rivals. Hodgson, who managed the Reds between 2010 and 2011, is a fan of Gyokeres.
Speaking to Hajper before the transfer was announced, Hodgson said: "Viktor Gyokeres is at a big club already, he's getting the level of football that the Swedish national team would want.
"But if he does come to England, I'm pretty sure that will be welcomed, if you like, by the whole Premier League in terms of the level of play he will bring.
"If Arsenal do sign him, it will be a real feather in their cap."
Gyokeres returns to England with a reputation for scoring plenty of goals. He started his career playing for Brommapojkarna in Sweden before securing a move to the Premier League, joining Brighton, but scored just once for the Seagulls in a cup game.
The Swede never appeared in a Premier League match for Brighton and spent time on loan at St. Pauli in Germany before doing the same at Swansea and Coventry, two Championship teams. He joined the latter club on a permanent deal in the summer of 2021.
Gyokeres scored 40 goals for Coventry between 2021 and 2023 to earn a big-money move to Sporting. He continued to score goals for fun in Portugal, finding the net 97 times in 102 games for the club to win three trophies, including two league titles.
Arsenal is one of the biggest clubs in English soccer due to its large fan base and glory-filled history, but it has struggled for success in recent years. The Gunners haven't won the Premier League title since 2004, and they've never won the Champions League.
The London club has won five FA Cups since its most recent championship, as well as six Community Shields. But Arteta's side has been forced to settle for the runner-up spot in each of the last three Premier League seasons.
Arsenal's lack of a proven striker has been arguably the team's biggest issue. It's hoped Gyokeres will be the man to fire the Gunners to glory and end Liverpool's reign as England's champion after just one season.
Gyokeres said: "I always want to score. To be a part of this club and to score in this kit and with this badge in front of all the supporters, I can't wait. It will be an amazing feeling.
"I started here (in England), it feels like a long time ago. I think I've improved a lot since then. Now I want to prove myself for real and perform together with the team."
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