Former Chelsea and England midfielder Joe Cole has expressed doubts over Arsenal’s decision to sign Viktor Gyökeres this summer, suggesting that Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen would have been a more proven option for the Gunners.
Arsenal secured the Swedish international from Portuguese giants Sporting CP in a high-profile deal, as Mikel Arteta sought to strengthen his attacking options.
However, speaking to Hayters TV, Cole admitted he still has reservations about whether Gyökeres can deliver at the top level of English football.
“He’s a centre-forward, and Arteta has got his man,” Cole said. “But there’s still a question mark there. It’s not like bringing in someone like Victor Osimhen, who has already done it in Italy and now in Turkey. With this kid [Gyökeres], we just don’t know yet. I think he’s going to be alright, but it’s still a wait-and-see.”
Osimhen, who had long been linked with a move to the Premier League, instead sealed a permanent transfer to Turkish champions Galatasaray earlier this month, ending speculation about a possible switch to North London.
Arsenal, meanwhile, remain hopeful that Gyökeres can replicate the prolific form he showed in Portugal, where he scored heavily for Sporting.
The 26-year-old will be under immediate scrutiny as the Gunners look to mount a serious Premier League title challenge this season.
