Wayne Rooney has hailed Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres as the Premier League's 'signing of the season' after the Gunners clinched their first league title in 22 years. The former Manchester United and England captain believes the Sweden international was a key factor in Mikel Arteta's side finally overcoming Manchester City to lift the trophy.
Arsenal's Long-Awaited Triumph
Arsenal ended their 22-year wait for a Premier League title on Sunday, finishing seven points clear of Pep Guardiola's Manchester City after three successive second-place finishes. The Gunners now turn their attention to next weekend's Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, where they will bid for a historic double.
Arteta's summer spending spree, which exceeded £250 million, brought in eight new faces including Martin Zubimendi, Eberechi Eze, Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, Cristian Mosquera, Piero Hincapie, Christian Norgaard, and Kepa Arrizabalaga. While many contributed, Rooney singled out Gyokeres as the standout acquisition.
Gyokeres: The Difference Maker
Gyokeres recovered from a slow start to score 21 goals across all competitions, playing a pivotal role in Arsenal's title charge and Champions League final run. Speaking on his BBC podcast, Rooney said: 'I think Viktor Gyokeres. Granit Xhaka has been brilliant for Sunderland but look at what Gyokeres has brought to Arsenal, it's exactly what they've needed. Finishing second over the last three years, I think he's given Arsenal something a bit different and that's been a big factor in them winning the Premier League.'
Arteta's Tactical Evolution
Rooney also praised Arteta's tactical shift, noting: 'Everyone now wants to play like how Pep Guardiola's teams play but Mikel Arteta has tried that for the last three years and he hasn't won the league. He's changed the recruitment. They've gone more to a bigger, more physical team, and they don't concede goals. They're solid, they have players scoring goals from all over the pitch, and they fully deserve to win the Premier League.'
Arsenal will now aim to secure their first Champions League title before holding a trophy parade in north London on Sunday.
