Arsenal's summer transfer business included a significant outlay on Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP, a move that has sparked debate across the footballing world. Now, a former teammate of the Swedish striker has voiced serious doubts about his suitability for Mikel Arteta's demanding system, suggesting he'll struggle to adapt and questioning the club's valuation of him.

Speaking exclusively, the unnamed former colleague – who played alongside Gyokeres at a previous club – expressed surprise at the fee Arsenal shelled out, stating, 'I never had him down to be a £64 million striker. He's a good player, don't get me wrong, but £64 million? That's a huge price tag.'

The source highlighted Gyokeres' strengths, acknowledging his work rate and ability to hold up the ball. However, they also pointed to areas where he may fall short in the Premier League, particularly in terms of consistent finishing and tactical discipline. 'He's a strong lad, works hard, and can bring others into play. But at the top level, you need more than that. You need to be clinical, you need to be intelligent in your movement, and you need to be able to execute under immense pressure. I'm not sure he possesses all of those qualities consistently.'

Arsenal's need for a new striker was undeniably pressing. With Gabriel Jesus sidelined for a period, the Gunners lacked a reliable goalscorer. Arteta’s pursuit of Gyokeres appeared driven by a desire to add physicality and aerial presence to the attack. However, the former teammate’s comments raise concerns about whether Gyokeres' skillset aligns with Arteta's intricate tactical approach.

The Premier League is renowned for its intensity and pace, demanding players who can adapt quickly and maintain peak performance throughout a grueling season. Gyokeres, while proven in other leagues, now faces the ultimate test. His ability to overcome these challenges and justify his hefty price tag will be crucial to Arsenal's ambitions this season.

The pressure on Gyokeres will be immense. He's not simply replacing a squad player; he’s expected to contribute significantly to a team challenging for the title. Whether he can rise to that occasion remains to be seen. Arteta will undoubtedly work closely with Gyokeres to integrate him into the team and help him adapt to the Premier League's unique demands. But the doubts raised by his former teammate are difficult to ignore. The spotlight will be firmly on the Swedish striker, and his performances will be heavily scrutinized.

Ultimately, only time will tell if Arsenal's gamble on Gyokeres pays off. But one thing is certain: the pressure is on, and the scrutiny will be relentless.