Bothroyd says Arsenal should have signed Isak or Ekitike instead of Gyökeres
Former Coventry City striker Jay Bothroyd told the Football Uncensored podcast that Arsenal made a mistake by signing Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting CP in the summer of 2025 instead of going for Alexander Isak or Hugo Ekitike. According to Bothroyd, Isak from Newcastle United would have been the perfect signing, and Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt was also a perfect option. Both players eventually moved to Liverpool—Isak from Newcastle and Ekitike from Frankfurt.
The critique matters because it questions Arsenal’s recruitment under Mikel Arteta, especially as the club looks to strengthen its attack. Fans wondering why Gyökeres, who has yet to hit the expected form, was chosen over two strikers who later joined a Premier League rival can see how different choices might have shaped the team’s current options.
If you’re an Arsenal supporter, consider whether the current striking lineup meets your expectations and think about how transfer decisions influence match outcomes. Keep an eye on the next transfer window to see if the club targets similar profiles to address any gaps in the front line.