Arsenal's Striker Dilemma: Could a £26m Signing Have Secured the Title?
Former Liverpool hero Vladimir Smicer has ignited controversy by claiming that Arsenal might already be Premier League champions if they had signed Patrik Schick instead of Viktor Gyokeres. In a recent interview with BetVictor, Smicer argued that the Czech striker's superior finishing could have transformed Arsenal's title bid, raising questions about the club's transfer strategy under Mikel Arteta.
Gyokeres' Mixed Debut Season at Arsenal
Viktor Gyokeres joined Arsenal in a high-profile £64m move from Sporting last summer, but his first season has been a tale of two halves. The Sweden international struggled initially, netting just five Premier League goals in the first six months. However, he has shown improvement since January, scoring 14 goals for both club and country, bringing his total to 17 across all competitions.
Despite this upturn, doubts persist about Gyokeres' long-term viability as Arsenal's primary striker. The Gunners, who finished second in the Premier League for three consecutive seasons before his arrival, are reportedly eyeing a new No. 9 this summer. Arteta had hoped Gyokeres would be the final piece to elevate the team to title winners, but his inconsistent form has kept speculation alive.
Smicer's Bold Claim: Schick as the Missing Link
Vladimir Smicer, a Champions League winner with Liverpool, did not mince words in his assessment. He praised Patrik Schick as a "classic goalscorer" with exceptional finishing skills, highlighting his clever movement in the box and powerful left foot. Smicer pointed to Schick's injury history as a drawback but insisted that with the same chances, Schick would have outscored Gyokeres significantly.
"If Schick had joined Arsenal instead of Viktor Gyokeres, I think they might have won the Premier League title already," Smicer stated. "I'm certain of that because he is a much better finisher. I'd still like to see him in the Premier League." Schick, who plays for Bayer Leverkusen, has an impressive record of 97 goals in 203 Bundesliga appearances and 25 goals in 52 caps for the Czech Republic, including a famous halfway-line strike at Euro 2020.
Arsenal's Current Position and Future Prospects
Despite the scrutiny, Gyokeres has contributed to Arsenal's strong season, with the team currently nine points clear at the top of the Premier League and advancing in the Champions League after a 1-0 quarter-final first-leg win over Sporting. However, recent setbacks in domestic cup competitions, including a Carabao Cup final loss to Manchester City and an FA Cup exit to Southampton, have fueled criticism.
Smicer is not alone in questioning Gyokeres; pundits like Jamie Carragher have also urged Arsenal to sign a new striker. Rumors link the club with Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez, indicating potential summer moves. As Arsenal aims for their first Premier League title since 2004, the debate over striker efficacy continues to dominate discussions.
In summary, while Arsenal remain favorites for the title, Vladimir Smicer's comments underscore the ongoing evaluation of Viktor Gyokeres' role and the what-if scenario involving Patrik Schick, highlighting the high stakes in football transfer decisions.
