Winterburn Analyzes Gyokeres' Struggles as Arsenal Eyes Striker Options

As the January transfer window approaches, Arsenal's front-line decisions are under scrutiny, particularly regarding Viktor Gyokeres. Former Gunners star Nigel Winterburn shared his insights on the situation, indicating that unless Gyokeres departs, Arsenal is unlikely to pursue a new striker. “The discussion around Gyokeres is mixed,” he remarked, emphasizing that fans have varying opinions on their high-profile signing.

Gyokeres made headlines during his £64 million transfer from Sporting Lisbon in July 2025 after an impressive tenure in Portugal where he netted an astonishing 97 goals in 102 appearances and earned back-to-back league titles. However, in his debut season for Arsenal, he scored 14 goals, a solid achievement but not enough to eliminate the doubts surrounding his ability to adapt to the Premier League, especially given that his previous experience was limited to the Championship with Coventry City.

“I thought he looked uncomfortable at Arsenal at the start of last season,” Winterburn assessed. Although Gyokeres showed improvement as the season progressed, there are questions about whether he can consistently deliver in Mikel Arteta's tactical setup. Observations point to Arteta favoring Kai Havertz as a false nine, particularly when both players are fit, which has created a situation where Gyokeres often finds himself on the periphery of the action.

Winterburn believes this ongoing situation will fuel the debate about Gyokeres' hefty transfer fee. “When you invest significant resources expecting a prolific striker, the pressure to perform mounts,” he noted. He further remarked that the ongoing discussions about Julian Alvarez, another striking target for Arsenal, will persist as long as Gyokeres struggles for form. “With the connection to Alvarez, questions will always arise regarding whether the club made the right choice,” he said.

Alvarez, who plays for Atletico Madrid, had shown interest in a move to Barcelona but ultimately stayed put after the deal fell through. As Arsenal continues to assess its options, Winterburn insists, “If Gyokeres doesn’t leave, I don’t see Arsenal making any other purchases upfront.” He went on to compare the two players, suggesting their goal-scoring records are relatively similar, but the Gunners need someone capable of better link-up play and an influential presence on the pitch.

Winterburn also addressed the growing concerns regarding Bukayo Saka's form. While former Arsenal defender David O’Leary has criticized Saka for a perceived decline in performance and physicality, Winterburn has a more balanced viewpoint. “Everyone has their ups and downs,” he stated, asserting that the modern game's physical demands often see players going down too easily. He pointed to its prevalence across all levels of play and noted, “Saka was remarkably consistent, but injuries have undoubtedly affected him.”

On Saka's current trajectory, Winterburn believes he is on the path to reclaiming his form. “I’ve seen signs that he is regaining trust in his body,” he commented. “However, he still needs to find that consistency.” He referenced Jeremy Doku’s impactful display in a recent Manchester City match as a potential source of inspiration for Saka, advising him to embrace his explosive skills and become a decisive factor in games once again.

While Arsenal is basking in the glory of a comeback victory against Leeds, they must shift their focus to international play, facing Lille in the Champions League group stage. The Gunners hope to maintain their momentum before returning to league action against Nottingham Forest.

As Arsenal navigates this crucial period, the ongoing evaluation of player performances and potential acquisitions will be pivotal for their title defense ambitions. With key fixtures looming, the team's ability to optimize their squad, especially concerning Gyokeres’ role and Saka's resurgence, will determine their trajectory for the rest of the season.

Winterburn’s insights echo broader concerns amongst the fanbase regarding the team's strategic direction and execution. As Arsenal continues its journey in both domestic and European competitions, all eyes will remain on how they address these pressing issues.