Former Brighton & Hove Albion striker Glenn Murray has doubts about whether Viktor Gyökeres would suit Arsenal’s playing style ahead of the new Premier League season.
The Sweden international signed for the Gunners from Sporting CP for a package worth £64 million last month. He recently scored in the 3-0 friendly win versus Athletic Club.
Gyökeres is preparing for a blockbuster debut against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday. Ahead of the game, Murray has played down the striker’s qualities.
Despite netting 54 goals for Sporting CP last season, the 41-year-old insists the move is ‘such a big step’ for the Swede, who failed to make the grade at former club Brighton.
Murray highlighted that Gyökeres was never as good as Ben White, and he was just ‘all right’. He does not believe the 27-year-old suits the playing style of the Gunners either.
He told BBC Sport: “I don’t think Gyökeres is the one – it’s such a big step. I was with him at Brighton, and I never had him down to be a £64m striker.
“When Ben White stepped into our first team, right away everyone knew how he good he was – he was of that standard.
“When Viktor came in, it was more a case where you thought he was all right. I am not sure he suits Arsenal’s style, either.”
Murray feels the Gunners won’t be finishing higher than fourth in the Premier League.
The former Coventry City striker had a couple of starts in pre-season. He struggled against Villarreal on the back of a couple of training sessions.
However, there was a massive improvement against Athletic Club. Gyökeres scored with a terrific header from a brilliant Martin Zubimendi cross.
He produced another fine diving header from Noni Madueke’s cross from the left flank, but goalkeeper Unai Simon made a world-class save to deny him.
Gyökeres seemed a confident striker in the Athletic friendly. He had 15 passes with 28 touches compared to four passes and 14 touches in the 3-2 loss to Villarreal at home.
Murray does not believe the Swede can hit the ground running at Arsenal. He has the opportunity to respond with a strong performance at Manchester United.
The London giants start their Premier League campaign at Old Trafford on Sunday, and Gyökeres will come up against his former head coach in Ruben Amorim.
Gyökeres should be aware of the potential weaknesses in the 3-4-2-1 formation, and it remains to be seen whether he can deliver a goal on his Arsenal debut.
