ARSENAL hope to have finally found their dream striker who can lead the line for years.
Viktor Gyokeres is expected to make his Emirates debut in front of a 55,000-plus crowd when the Gunners play Villarreal in their first home friendly of the season on Wednesday night.
Arsene Wenger’s Invincibles of 21 years ago boasted the stardust of Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp up front.
Arsenal have ever since been on a search to find another prolific, reliable and injury-free No 9 — but the majority of signings have proved to be misses rather than hits.
SunSport’s Charlie Wyett gives each player his rating out of ten…
ROBIN VAN PERSIE
In 2004, still basking in the glory of their record-breaking season, Dutchman Van Persie joined from Feyenoord for £2.75million.
His goal ratio was excellent, although he was hampered by a few nasty injuries, and then headed off to Manchester United to fire them to the title. 8
NICKLAS BENDTNER
Ahead of their final season at Highbury in 2005, Arsenal signed a 17-year-old Bendtner, who spent nine years on the club’s payroll.
Although a reasonable player, the Dane was nowhere near as good as he thought he was.
In 2009, he switched shirt numbers from 26 to 52 because his new deal was worth £52,000 a week. 5
EMMANUEL ADEBAYOR
Scored 12 goals in his first full campaign at the new Emirates home after switching from Monaco in 2006.
Togo star Adebayor could have achieved more but left for Manchester City then Spurs — which made him a figure of hate among Gunners supporters. 6
EDUARDO
A talented striker — but we will never know what could have been.
Eduardo joined from Dinamo Zagreb in 2007 and was doing well until he suffered a horrific leg break in a tackle by Birmingham’s Martin
Taylor. He was never the same player again. 6
MAROUANE CHAMAKH
Moroccan frontman arrived from Bordeaux in 2010 but is mainly remembered for his hairstyles.
Known among team-mates for poor timekeeping, he once turned up late for an away trip in a white chauffeur-driven limousine. 4
PARK CHU-YOUNG
A disaster. The Monaco man was in the middle of his medical at Lille in 2011 when he learned there was interest from Arsenal.
He arrived in London just 24 hours before both Mikel Arteta and Per Mertesacker but unlike the other two, he barely played.
In three seasons, the South Korean made just one sub-appearance in the Prem. 1
LUKAS PODOLSKI
One of the club’s most high-profile signings remains a big crowd favourite — but Podolski never reached the highest levels.
Arriving from Cologne, he had an uneasy relationship with boss Wenger and went out on loan to Inter Milan.
A stunning volley against Montpellier in the Champions League is considered his best Arsenal moment. 6
Play Dream Team now!
Play The Sun Dream Team ahead of the 2025/26 season
OLIVIER GIROUD
At the same time as Podolski, Giroud was signed having just fired Montpellier to a shock Ligue 1 title.
With 105 goals in a six-year spell, the Frenchman the Frenchman could be effective but he was also known as a big-game flop, missing vital chances.
At Chelsea, he helped secure victories in both the Champions League and Europa League. 6
YAYA SANOGO
A total failure.
The ex-Auxerre forward spent four years at Arsenal but made just two Premier League starts. 1
DANNY WELBECK
Was at Arsenal’s training ground with the England squad when he made his move from Manchester United.
Unfortunately for Welbeck, his time at the club was ruined by serious knee and ankle injuries. 6
LUCAS PEREZ
A prime contender for Arsenal’s worst big-money signing, the Spaniard cost a hefty £17m from Deportivo La Coruna.
Despite a Champions League hat-trick at Basel, Perez failed to establish himself and only made two Premier League starts. 5
ALEXANDRE LACAZETTE
In Wenger’s last season, the board allowed the manager to sign Lacazette for £52m .
The Frenchman’s goals-per-game record was quite good, especially as the Gunners were struggling, but he was still a frustrating player. 7
PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG
The Gabonese forward will be remembered fondly for scoring twice in the FA Cup final against Chelsea in 2020.
Yet at times Auba seemed more interested in his cars, and his attitude frustrated Arteta. 8
GABRIEL JESUS
Joined in 2022 for a hefty £45m from Manchester City — but the Brazilian’s goals tally is mediocre.
He has spent a fair amount of time on the subs bench and in the physio room. 6
KAI HAVERTZ
Yet another to arrive from Chelsea, this time for £65m.
The German has still to make an explosive impact but he could be helped by Gyokeres’ arrival. 7
EDDIE NKETIAH
Fans were desperate for the home-grown favourite to succeed up front.
Had plenty of chances but was sold to Crystal Palace in 2024. 6
Read the full article here