Viktor Gyokeres arrived at Arsenal in July 2025 with a €73.5 million price tag, carrying the weight of expectations after an extraordinary stint at Sporting CP. His record in Portugal was nothing short of phenomenal: 97 goals in 102 games over two seasons, including 43 goals in 50 games in 2023/24 and an astonishing 54 goals in 52 games in 2024/25. These numbers cemented his reputation as one of Europe’s most lethal strikers, prompting Arsenal to invest heavily in his services. However, just months into his tenure at the Emirates, Gyokeres’ form has taken a dramatic nosedive, raising questions about whether Arsenal’s lavish spending has turned the club into a “resort” for a player whose star is fading fast.
Since scoring his last goal against Nottingham Forest on September 13, 2025, Gyokeres has endured an eight-game goal drought across all competitions, spanning over 600 minutes without finding the net. For a player whose transfer fee and reputation were built on his goal-scoring prowess, this barren run is alarming. In his first 10 games for Arsenal, he has managed just three goals—a stark contrast to the prolific form that made him a household name in Portugal.
A Tale of Two Systems: Sporting’s Star vs. Arsenal’s Outcast
At Sporting CP, Gyokeres thrived as the focal point of an attacking system tailored to his strengths. The Portuguese side’s direct style, with quick transitions and service to their star striker, allowed him to exploit defenses with his pace, physicality, and clinical finishing. Arsenal’s system under Mikel Arteta, however, demands a different approach. The Gunners prioritize fluid, possession-based football with flexible attacking roles, requiring players to adapt to intricate passing patterns and contribute to build-up play. Gyokeres, still adjusting to this new structure, has struggled to find his place.
Social media posts from fans and analysts highlight the extent of his struggles. A post from Hater Central on October 13, 2025, brutally summarized his performance against Kosovo: “0 Goals/Assists, 0 Key Passes, 0 Dribbles, 0 Aerial Duels, 12 Possessions Lost,” accompanied by a mocking caption, “NO NEED FOR A MASK, WE CANT SEE YOU 🙏🙏🙏.” Such criticism underscores the growing frustration among fans who expected the Swedish striker to hit the ground running.
Impact on Club and Country
Gyokeres’ dip in form has had tangible consequences for both Arsenal and the Swedish national team. For Arsenal, his lack of goals has coincided with a noticeable decline in their attacking output, particularly in European competitions. Dropped points in crucial matches have exposed the Gunners’ reliance on their new signing to provide the cutting edge. While Arsenal remains competitive in the Premier League, their European campaign has suffered, and Gyokeres’ inability to rediscover his scoring touch has only amplified the pressure on Arteta’s squad.
Internationally, Sweden’s World Cup qualifying campaign in October 2025 was nothing short of disastrous, with Gyokeres at the heart of their struggles. A 2-0 defeat to Switzerland and a 1-0 home loss to Kosovo left Sweden’s hopes of qualifying for the World Cup hanging by a thread. Gyokeres failed to contribute a single goal or assist in these matches, and his lackluster performances drew heavy criticism. A post from AFTV on October 14, 2025, noted his ineffective 90-minute display against Kosovo, further highlighting his struggles. The fallout from these results was severe, leading to the sacking of Sweden’s coach, Jon Dahl Tomasson.
Why the Drought?
Several factors may explain Gyokeres’ sudden decline. Beyond the tactical mismatch between Sporting CP’s direct approach and Arsenal’s more nuanced system, the pressure of a high-profile transfer could be weighing heavily on the 27-year-old striker. The €73.5 million fee places him under intense scrutiny, and adapting to a new league, new teammates, and a new country is no small feat. Additionally, Arsenal’s attacking unit has yet to gel fully, with Gyokeres often appearing isolated in matches due to the team’s preference for intricate build-up play over direct service.
Confidence also plays a significant role. A striker’s form is often cyclical, and a prolonged goal drought can erode self-belief, leading to hesitation in front of goal. Posts like the one from Football Tweet on October 14, 2025, which starkly stated, “Viktor Gyökeres has now gone 8 games in all competitions and over 600 minutes without a goal. ❌❌,” only amplify the narrative of a player struggling to live up to his price tag.
Can Gyokeres Turn It Around?
For Arsenal, the question is whether Gyokeres can rediscover the form that made him a record-breaker at Sporting CP. Arteta’s track record of developing players suggests there is hope, but time is of the essence. The Gunners cannot afford to carry a €73.5 million passenger, and with fans growing restless, Gyokeres must adapt quickly to Arsenal’s system or risk becoming a cautionary tale of a blockbuster signing gone wrong.
The road ahead will not be easy. Arsenal’s demanding schedule, coupled with Sweden’s ongoing international commitments, means Gyokeres will have little time to dwell on his struggles. However, a single goal could be the spark needed to reignite his confidence and silence his critics. Until then, Arsenal’s €73.5 million investment looks increasingly like a luxurious “resort” for a player whose form has faded far too soon.