Arsenal’s Big Signing, Small Price Tag? Shearer Says They Paid More Than Necessary
20 October 2025
Context and Reactions
England’s football icon Alan Shearer praised Arsenal’s summer signing that has helped the club lead the Premier League, while also suggesting the price tag was too high for Viktor Gyokeres.
Arsenal are enjoying a superb spell under Spanish coach Mikel Arteta, following a 1-0 victory over Fulham in the eighth round of the league, which put them three points clear of Manchester City and four ahead of Liverpool, who had a 1-2 defeat at home to Manchester United at Anfield.
The player in focus is Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres, who has been working hard but has struggled to convert chances of late.
During a recent episode of the Rest Is Football podcast, Shearer argued that Arsenal paid an inflated amount for Gyokeres and added that he would say the same about Benjamin Sesko at Manchester United.
He noted that Gyokeres still brings something different to the team and that his running behind defenses opens space for teammates to exploit, even if his goals tally has not reflected that yet.
As former Newcastle United forward and the league’s all-time top scorer, Shearer insisted the forward must improve his numbers, while acknowledging the team remains strong overall and benefits from Gyokeres’ movement and the ability to stretch play.
Arteta himself has stressed patience, explaining that a striker cannot flip a switch after a handful of barren games. The coach has repeatedly said his players need the right mental state to perform at their best and that Gyokeres has his full trust.
Arteta has also conveyed a clear philosophy: the best performers are those who can stay mentally sturdy after a run of dry spells, and Gyokeres is being treated as a work-in-progress with potential upside.
Defensive Solidity and Upcoming Tests
Even as Gyokeres’ productivity fluctuates, Arsenal continue to lead thanks to a solid defensive foundation. The club conceded few goals and have become a tough opponent in both open play and set pieces.
Shearer highlighted Arsenal’s defensive robustness, noting that they have conceded just three goals this season and often win key duels from dead-ball situations, which has helped them maintain pressure on rivals.
The defense has been anchored by David Raya in goal and a backline featuring William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, with the team keeping clean sheets in eight of 11 matches across competitions this season. Since December 2023, they have rarely conceded more than two goals in a league game, a level of resilience not seen since the Invincibles era in 2003-04.
Gyokeres now has a fresh opportunity to end his drought when Arsenal host Atletico Madrid on Tuesday in the Champions League, before resuming league duties against Crystal Palace at the Emirates on Sunday.
Punchline 1: If a transfer fee were a meal, Gyokeres’ would be a fancy three-course, billed to Arsenal’s wallet with a smile.
Punchline 2: Patience is a virtue in football; Arteta serves it with espresso and a tactical map. If this striker learns to finish, the payoff could be delicious.
