Lescott: Gyokeres Signing Won’t Deliver Arsenal EPL Title

Former Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott has issued a stark warning to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. He believes the Gunners cannot clinch the Premier League title with striker Viktor Gyokeres, whom he describes as merely ‘okay’.

Arsenal secured the signature of the Sweden international from Sporting CP during the summer transfer window. So far, Gyokeres has netted three times in his first ten appearances for the North London club.

Lescott Questions Title-Winning Pedigree

In a candid assessment, Lescott expressed his doubts about the striker’s caliber. “I would describe Victor Gyokeres as ‘okay’,” Lescott told Sky Bet. He firmly stated, “If you are going to win the league, your striker can’t be okay; he has to be top.” This critique places the spotlight squarely on Arsenal’s center-forward options and their ambitions for the domestic crown.

The former defender extended his skepticism to the team’s overall league chances. “I don’t think Mikel Arteta can get Arsenal over the line in the Premier League,” he added. This comment underscores the perceived gap between Arsenal and their rivals in the marathon title race.

As detailed in the complete version, there are several key factors to consider.

Champions League Presents Different Challenge

However, Lescott offered a contrasting outlook for European competition. He suggested the Champions League could be a more feasible path to glory for Arteta’s squad. “But in the Champions League, it’s different,” he noted. Lescott explained that the format, with its extended breaks between knockout rounds, plays to Arsenal’s strengths. “With the way he rotates and because of that big gap [before the knockout stages], no one knows what kind of form or fitness teams will be in.”

He concluded that this unpredictability benefits Arsenal more than the relentless consistency required to win the Premier League. The debate continues on whether Viktor Gyokeres can develop into the elite striker needed for a sustained title challenge.