Former Arsenal defender Traore doubts Gyokeres can match Gunners’ stars
The roar of the Emirates Stadium fell silent as former Arsenal left‑back Armand Traore stepped onto the pitch to answer a question about the club’s new striker. He told the Sun he would not be worried defending against Viktor Gyokeres, the Swedish international who now wears the Gunners’ shirt.
Traore said, “Gyokeres, I just don’t get that killer instinct that some of these guys had.” He added, “I played against Drogba many times. He had such an aura, a leader’s presence. I don’t get that with Gyokeres or Havertz.”
Gyokeres’ goal output and past form
Despite the criticism, Gyokeres finished last season with 21 goals in all competitions, a tally that helped the Gunners to the Premier League title and a place in the Champions League final. Before joining Arsenal he was an absolute goal machine at Sporting Lisbon, but the Premier League has sometimes seemed a step too high for him.
Uncertainty over Gyokeres’ future
Gyokeres, now 28, has already attracted interest from Serie A clubs and the Saudi Pro League as he slips down Arsenal’s pecking order. Kai Havertz appears to be Mikel Arteta’s first‑choice striker, yet the lack of depth up front means Gyokeres will still receive opportunities in the weeks ahead.
Arsenal could sell Gyokeres if a good offer emerges
Traore also compared Gyokeres unfavourably with club legends, noting, “Think of Thierry Henry and Gyokeres, it’s day and night. Speed kills and I don’t see that Gyokeres is very quick.” The former defender argued that the Swedish forward lacks the aura of past greats such as Drogba and Henry.
Critics will be watching closely to see whether Gyokeres can prove them wrong, as the club’s supporters demand more consistency from the forward. The uncertainty surrounding his future adds another layer of pressure on a player who has already shown moments of quality in an Arsenal shirt.
The exchange highlights how former players’ opinions can shape narratives around new signings, especially when a striker’s reputation hinges on delivering the killer instinct that once defined Arsenal’s great forwards.