As Good As Harry Kane?! Viktor Gyokeres Declares Himself Among Football’s Elite

Gyokeres: ‘I’m at the Same Table as Kane, Haaland & Lewandowski’

In the world of modern football, confidence is currency. And few are richer in it right now than Sporting CP’s talismanic striker, Viktor Gyokeres. In a revealing and candid interview with L’Equipe, the Swedish forward boldly stated that he belongs at the same level as three of the game’s most revered forwards—Harry Kane, Robert Lewandowski, and Erling Haaland. It’s a claim that has caught fire across Europe, especially with Viktor Gyokeres being at the heart of a heated summer transfer saga involving Arsenal.

The Statement That Shook the Transfer Market

“I’m definitely one of them,” Viktor Gyokeres said when asked if he considers himself on par with Kane, Haaland, and Lewandowski. “It’s hard to classify me, but yes, I’m at the same table as them now. They are extraordinary players, at the top level for many years, who have proven much more than I have.”

He added, “For my part, I have to show that I am capable of maintaining these performances season after season. What I managed to do at Sporting, I am convinced I can achieve anywhere. You haven’t seen the best Gyökeres yet.”

That last line, perhaps more than anything else, underscores the growing belief in his own potential and a sense that he’s ready to make his mark in the Premier League—an ambition that has only further intensified rumors of a move to Arsenal.

Arsenal Circle as Transfer Tension Builds

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Gyokeres’ form over the 2023/24 season has placed him in the spotlight. After a prolific year with Sporting CP, where he racked up goals and assists with consistency, top clubs across Europe have been circling. None more so than Arsenal, who have long been searching for a commanding presence up front.

The Gunners have reportedly made Viktor Gyokeres their top target for the No. 9 role, and negotiations have been ongoing for weeks. Sporting CP, however, are holding firm. Their asking price? A cool £70 million (€85 million). It’s a fee Arsenal are reluctant to meet in full, despite Mikel Arteta’s desire to add firepower to his frontline.

Sources close to the deal suggest that Viktor Gyokeres is growing increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress and may consider sitting out Sporting’s pre-season training as a way of forcing through a move. While no formal action has been taken, his recent statements about wanting to “return to English football and finally have his shot at the Premier League” seem to hint that he sees Arsenal as his next step.

Unfinished Business in England

It’s easy to forget that Viktor Gyokeres already has a history in English football. Signed by Brighton in 2018, the Swede never made a first-team appearance for the Seagulls. Instead, he spent time on loan at clubs like Swansea and Coventry City before signing permanently with the latter.

It was at Coventry where Viktor Gyokeres made a name for himself. Over the course of 110 appearances in the Championship, he became one of the league’s most feared forwards. Yet, the Premier League eluded him.

His move to Sporting CP in 2023 was initially seen as a stepping stone, and Viktor Gyokeres wasted no time in proving he was ready for a higher level. His blend of pace, power, and clinical finishing made him a nightmare for defenders in the Primeira Liga, and now he appears poised to return to England—but this time as a marquee signing.

Confidence or Arrogance?

Naturally, comparisons to players like Harry Kane and Erling Haaland draw both admiration and scrutiny. While some fans appreciate Viktor Gyokeres’ self-belief, others argue that he has yet to truly prove himself on the biggest stages. Kane and Lewandowski have been scoring in the Champions League for years. Haaland just helped Manchester City to back-to-back league titles and a historic treble.

Gyokeres, by contrast, has yet to play a minute of Premier League football or Champions League knockout rounds. But perhaps that’s the point. The Swedish international is aware of the levels he must still reach—but instead of shying away, he’s setting the bar for himself.

What Makes Viktor Gyokeres Special?

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Those who have followed his rise from the Championship to Portugal’s top flight know what Viktor Gyokeres brings to the table. At 6’2″, he’s an imposing physical presence. Yet he moves with surprising agility and technical precision. He’s not just a target man—he’s an all-action forward, capable of leading the line, pressing from the front, and linking play with midfielders.

In 2023/24, he scored 27 goals across all competitions for Sporting and provided 12 assists. His expected goals (xG) and non-penalty goal contributions per 90 minutes were among the best in the league.

Arsenal fans, who’ve watched their team dominate possession but lack a cutting edge in front of goal, are understandably excited by the possibility of seeing Viktor Gyokeres in red and white. His direct style could be the missing piece in Arteta’s tactical puzzle.

Arsenal’s Striker Dilemma

The Gunners’ interest in Viktor Gyokeres is no secret. The club’s sporting director Edu and manager Mikel Arteta have been exploring multiple options this summer. Ivan Toney, Benjamin Sesko, and even a shock move for Alexander Isak were rumored.

But none have gathered the same level of traction as Viktor Gyokeres. His profile fits Arsenal’s need perfectly—a striker in his prime, hungry to prove himself, with a proven scoring record and the physicality to handle English football.

Despite the links, however, Arsenal have yet to meet Sporting’s valuation. The north London club are reportedly exploring structured deals involving add-ons and incentives, but Sporting are standing firm. They know what they have—and they know what the market is willing to pay.

What Happens Next?

With Sporting due to begin pre-season preparations in a matter of days, all eyes are on Viktor Gyokeres. Will he report to training as expected? Or will he make a bold move to push the transfer over the line?

Some reports have linked Manchester United with a last-minute swoop, while Chelsea have also been monitoring the situation. But for now, Arsenal remain in pole position.

As for Viktor Gyokeres, he seems unbothered by the noise. His focus is on proving he belongs at the top. And if his self-belief is anything to go by, he’s more than ready for the Premier League spotlight.

“What I managed to do at Sporting, I am convinced I can achieve anywhere,” he said. Arsenal fans will be hoping that place is the Emirates Stadium.