Despite Viktor Gyokeres’ superb start to life at the Emirates, an ex-Arsenal star still has doubts

Former Arsenal defender Gael Clichy has admitted that some fans may have hoped for a different name to lead the line at the Emirates this season.

According to Clichy, Arsenal fans were dreaming of Alexander Isak before the Gunners sealed a £64m move for Viktor Gyökeres.

Clichy raises questions over fan expectations

Clichy, speaking on Arsenal’s latest summer business, suggested that the mood among supporters may have leaned more toward Isak, who instead signed for Liverpool in a British-record transfer.

Despite Gyokeres scoring four goals in his opening three Premier League games, Clichy still expressed doubts about his ability to fit in with the Arsenal system and fans.

“Is he the player that the Arsenal fans wanted? I don’t think so,” Clichy remarked, while acknowledging Gyökeres’ strong scoring record in Portugal.

The former Newcastle star’s style, he explained, does not mirror the typical technical forward Arsenal fans are used to, but his physical, direct approach could give Arteta’s attack a new dimension.

Arteta’s plan for Gyökeres

Despite the questions, Clichy pointed out that Gyökeres could fit into Arteta’s tactical blueprint if Arsenal’s wide players deliver.

With Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka tasked with isolating full-backs, spaces should open up for Gyökeres inside the box.

“It looks to me as if Arteta wants his wide players… to put the ball in the box,” Clichy explained, noting that this would create prime scoring opportunities for the striker.

Still, he cautioned that the major test lies in how quickly Gyökeres adapts to the Premier League, with the physicality and speed of English football set to provide a different challenge from Portugal.