Liverpool hero Vladimir Smicer believes Arsenal might have already secured the Premier League title if they had signed Patrik Schick for £26 million instead of Viktor Gyokeres. Gyokeres joined Arsenal from Sporting last summer for £64 million but has had an inconsistent first season, scoring 19 goals across all competitions. The Sweden international struggled early on, netting only five Premier League goals in the first six months, though his form has improved since January with 16 goals for club and country.
Mixed Season for Gyokeres
Doubts persist over Gyokeres' long-term suitability as Arsenal's primary striker, and the club is reportedly seeking a new number nine this summer. Mikel Arteta had hoped Gyokeres would be the final piece in a squad that finished second in the Premier League for three consecutive seasons. Despite the criticism, Gyokeres has contributed to Arsenal topping the league table and reaching within one game of the Champions League final.
Smicer's Bold Claim
Former Liverpool midfielder Smicer told BetVictor: 'Patrik Schick is a classic goalscorer. In the box, he is very clever and can finish from all angles. His left foot is really good. Unfortunately, he has suffered many muscle injuries. If Schick had joined Arsenal instead of Viktor Gyokeres, I think they might have won the Premier League already. With the same chances, he would have scored many more goals. I am certain of that because he is a much better finisher. I would still like to see him in the Premier League.'
Schick's Impressive Record
Schick has scored 100 goals in 207 appearances for Bayer Leverkusen and 25 goals in 52 caps for the Czech Republic. His most famous goal, a stunning strike from the halfway line against Scotland at Euro 2020, was voted Goal of the Tournament and nominated for the Puskas Award. The 30-year-old was linked with Manchester United last summer.
Smicer is not alone in questioning Gyokeres. His former Liverpool teammate Jamie Carragher recently urged Arsenal to sign a new striker in the summer. Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez, who scored against Arsenal in the Champions League semi-final first leg, is believed to be on Arsenal's radar.
