Thierry Henry has already explained exactly why Arsenal shouldn't rely on Viktor Gyokeres

Viktor Gyokeres has left fans frustrated with his performances throughout pre-season, with his displays reminding Arsenal supporters of some of his technical deficiencies, which were masked by his goal return last season.

The Swede finished the 2025/26 campaign with 21 goals and a Premier League winners' medal. To many, this justified the Gunners' £63 million outlay on the player, convincing a group of supporters that Mikel Arteta should give him the keys to the team's attack for another season.

However, familiar issues have resurfaced in recent friendlies. Against Real Betis, Gyokeres was physically dominated by the Spanish side's defenders, while against Borussia Dortmund, the former Coventry City man delivered a couple of meme-worthy moments. These comical contributions have subsequently gone viral, fuelling frustrations around what he brings to the table.

Credible journalists continue to report that centre-forward is a position that the Gunners are considering addressing in the remaining weeks of the window. Julian Alvarez has regularly been mooted as a target, while Junior Kroupi's name has also surfaced in conversations.

These potential additions aren't coming to take Kai Havertz's place. The German is so interwoven with Arteta's style of play that his position in the Spaniard's squad is safe, for now.

Gyokeres, on the other hand, could genuinely find himself under threat if a new striker does arrive.

Thierry Henry' previous comments explain why Arsenal shouldn't rely on Viktor Gyokeres

Thierry Henry, Arsenal's most prolific goalscorer and arguably greatest ever player, has already indirectly explained why his old team shouldn't rely on a striker like Gyokeres, who may score some goals but whose overall game is limited.

Speaking on the Men in Blazers YouTube channel last year, Henry revealed his belief that strikers need to be able to do more than just find the back of the net in the modern game.

"People will talk about how many you score, but the game is so much more," he said.

"What do you give to your team? Can you play on the right? Can you play on the left? Can you drop?

"Can you get that ball from midfield? Can you turn? Can you run at people? Can you ping a ball from your left or your right for your wingers?

"Can you slide the ball through? Can you hold it? Can you play alone upfront away from home? Can you assist as a 9 and not always wait for people to feed you?"

Gyokeres certainly isn't capable of doing a lot of the things Henry listed. While his runs into the channel are relentless, he struggles to hold on to the ball against the very best defenders. He doesn't create chances for others, his combination play is poor and he isn't technically proficient in tight spaces.

If Arsenal want to win everything next season, they may well need to upgrade on Gyokeres before the window is up.

Thierry Henry has praised Julian Alvarez previously

If Henry were Arsenal's sporting director, the writing would probably be on the wall for Gyokeres. Not only has the Frenchman claimed that strikers need an extensive list of attributes which the Sweden international doesn't possess, but he's also proclaimed Alvarez as one of his favourite current

Speaking on the Stick to Football Podcast in May 2025, Henry waxed lyrical about the Argentine.

"One of my favourite nines out there at the minute is Julian Alvarez," he said.

"We've been talking about it, putting pressure, playing alone, low, whatever you want to do.

"Did you see the free-kick he scored the other day? He can hold the ball alone, he played at the Olympic games, he played in the Copa America.

"I don't hear him saying, 'I'm tired' or not tired. Hopefully, nothing bad is going to happen to him. He's played everything and the way he plays, I just like him."

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