“I’m not sure yet” - Darren Bent explains why he’s not convinced about Arsenal signing Viktor Gyokeres just yet

Former Ipswich Town striker Darren Bent isn't convinced about Arsenal's pursuit of Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres. The 26-year-old is one of the most in-form attackers in the continent.

Gyokeres has amassed an impressive 24 goals and four assists in 19 games across competitions this season. That includes 16 goals and an assist in 11 outings in the Primeira Liga, where holders Sporting are six points clear at the top. He has also struck five times in four games in the UEFA Champions League, including a hat-trick in a 4-1 home win over 2022-23 champions Manchester City.

Despite being contracted to Sporting till 2028, Gyokeres has been linked with many top clubs across Europe, with the Gunners reportedly among his suitors. However, Bent isn't convinced that Gyokeres would strike gold at the Emirates (as per TBR Football):

“If you look at his Portuguese record, it’s outstanding, but the fact that he’s scoring goals in the Champions League makes me think, ok. I’d like to see maybe one more year of him doing it consistently.

“If he keeps doing it and scores goals this year in the Champions League and next year, maybe that is a large enough sample size, but to go from Coventry to Sporting then to one of the biggest clubs in the world, Arsenal, I’m not sure yet.”

It's pertinent to note that Gyokeres is yet to play in the Premier League, where the Gunners are fourth after 11 games following a 3-0 home win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday (November 23).

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What's next for Arsenal?

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta

Arsenal are in the midst of a decent season, ending a three-game winless run across competitions with their aforementioned home win over Nottingham Forest at the weekend.

Mikel Arteta's side next take on Sporting CP away in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday (November 26). The Gunners are 12th in the 36-team field after four games, winning twice, coming off a 1-0 defeat at reigning Serie A champions Inter Milan earlier this month.

They return to league action at West Ham United on November 30 as they seek a first title in 21 years. It's pertinent to note that the Gunners came close to ending their Premier League title drought in the last two seasons.

After leading for a record 248 days in the 2022-23 season, the Gunners ran out of steam before finishing two points behind Manchester City last campaign.