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Viktor Gyokeres signing would be the 'icing on the cake' says former Arsenal hero
Arsenal look to be finally ending their search for a new striker with the signing of Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon.
The Swedish hitman has been in high demand this summer, having hit 54 goals last season, but the Gunners look to have finally won the race to sign him after agreeing a deal with the Portuguese club.
If a deal is done, former Arsenal striker Alan Smith exclusively told DAZN News, thanks to William Hill, that the 27-year-old's arrival would be the final piece of what he hopes is a genuine title challenge from Mikel Arteta's men this season.
He said, "It would be the icing on the cake for Arsenal. The missing piece of the jigsaw. This is the signing every Arsenal fan has been craving. An out-and-out number nine and someone who can get Arsenal over the line for the title.
"You saw last season when Arsenal had a striker crisis, that they struggled to score goals and dropped well behind Liverpool.
"Gyokeres, if he signs, will mean Arsenal can play a different style at times and get the ball forward quickly, rather than the build-up they have been doing.
"He gives a different dimension to their style, which can cause teams lots of problems. The fans would be ecstatic and competing in the Premier League and Champions League, having Goyokeres, will give Arsenal the boost they need."
Gyokoeres' arrival would see him join Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard and Noni Medueke as new faces at The Emirates ahead of the new season as the North London side looks to end their trophy drought.
Smith is pleased with the club's summer activity so far, despite some doubts about the signing of Medueke and believes the Gunners now have a greater strength in depth than they did last year.
"I think Arsenal’s transfer activity has been very good for far," he added.
"You see Partey has left and Zubermendi is a top replacement for him. Zubimendi is a superb player, he is one of the best in the world in his position, a Spanish international and is going to be a huge asset to Arsenal
"Joghino has departed and I’m really impressed with Norgaard signing. He isn’t going to be looking to sit on the bench all season and I think he can be a very effective player for Arsenal next season.
"You can’t always get top back up [or] number 2 keepers and Arsenal have a fine one in Kepa. Proven last season at Bournemouth on loan, I think Mikel Arteta will use him when needed, given that last year he kept playing Raya all the time.
"Now onto the most recent singing in Noni Madueke. He has a lot of potential and I don’t understand any fans not being on side with this. He can play on either wing and therefore gives good options to Mikel Arteta. He is young, in his prime, English and a very attacking player with good skill and flair."
