Arsenal's summer signing, Viktor Gyökeres, is increasingly looking like the "real thing" for the Gunners, showcasing a blend of physical prowess and predatory instincts that have quickly made him a key figure in their Premier League title chase. The Swedish international, who arrived from Sporting Lisbon for a reported £64 million, has already begun to demonstrate the qualities that made him such a prolific scorer in Portugal.

Gyökeres' impact extends beyond just goals. His physical presence and willingness to engage defenders have added a new dimension to Arsenal's attack. An example of this was seen recently when he used his strength to create space and pursue a return pass, something not typically associated with Arsenal's more technical players. This blend of "poaching and arse-bumps," as some observers have noted, brings a unique edge to the team.

The 27-year-old striker has already made a significant contribution, becoming the team's top scorer in all competitions with 11 goals. Six of those goals have come in 2026, making him the most prolific Premier League player in all competitions this year. However, of those 11 goals, only six have been in the Premier League across 22 matches.

Manager Mikel Arteta has praised Gyökeres' composure and consistency, noting his dedication to improvement and his ability to integrate with his teammates. Arteta highlighted Gyökeres' demanding nature, noting how he communicates with teammates to get the deliveries he wants. "But for me, what really makes a difference is the consistency that he shows every single day, to practise, to train, to understand better his team-mates, his relationships, to speak up and demand the kind of movement, the kind of balls and deliveries that he wants as well. And then he needs to do what he's done today as well, and really put it to work," Arteta stated.

Despite Gyökeres' positive start, some concerns have been raised about his connection with the team. Pundit Paul Merson suggested that Arsenal's players "don't trust" Gyökeres, claiming they "never pass" to him. However, this hasn't stopped Gyökeres from making a vital contribution to the team's success.

Arsenal's recent form, propelled by Gyökeres' goals, has put them in a strong position in the title race. Following a 4-0 victory over Leeds and a recent win against Sunderland, they sit nine points ahead of Manchester City. Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris even stated that he believes Arsenal now have what it takes to win the title.

Despite the strong position, Arteta is keen to keep his players grounded, saying, "We still have to win so many games to achieve what we want, so let's not focus on that, that's something else, we've done our job now, we've had what we have to do, assess that, try to improve it and get ready for Brentford. We have to keep raising our level".

Looking ahead, Arsenal may be looking to bolster their attacking options further. Reports suggest they are interested in Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez and are willing to "break the bank" to secure his signature. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid are reportedly interested in signing Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal.