Rio Ferdinand has warned Manchester United and Arsenal not to sign Viktor Gyokeres, claiming he would flop in the Premier League.
Gyokeres has been one of the most prolific goalscorers in Europe over the last two seasons, scoring a hugely impressive 82 goals in 90 games for Sporting Lisbon.
The 26-year-old’s blistering form has caught the eye of a number of clubs, with Manchester United and Arsenal both said to be interested in bringing him to the Premier League.
Ruben Amorim worked with Gyokeres before leaving Sporting for United in November and is expected to sign a new striker in the summer.
Manchester United spent over £100m on forwards Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirzkee but neither appear to be at the required level.
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Arsenal will also surely bolster Mikel Arteta’s attacking options after opting not to sign a new striker during the January transfer window, a decision that quickly backfired.
Gyokeres may be an attractive proposition for both Man United and Arsenal but Ferdinand has warned both clubs against a move, insisting the Sweden international is ‘not the guy’.
‘I don’t think he’s the guy,’ Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel. ‘I’ve not watched him loads but I’ve probably watched him three times really, really closely.
‘Three times I’ve watched him and I’ve gone, he ain’t getting those opportunities in the Premier League. When I see him physically matched, I don’t see it. What else is there?
‘That’s the questions I’m asking. Is there enough after he’s physically matched to get a goal? Physicality is a massive thing in the game today.
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‘A Ruben Amorim team need physicality and runners but there’s no real physicality in this squad. It just isn’t there.’
Former Manchester City, Everton and Wolves defender Joleon Lescott also has doubts over Gyokeres, who has a release clause worth €100m but could be signed for as little as £63m.
‘I believe Arsenal could go for him but he’s not the guy,’ he said.
‘I remember when Timo Werner first came to Chelsea, they played Brighton and he said “I’ve never seen anything like that” in terms of the physicality. Physicality is such a big thing in the Premier League.’
While Ferdinand has advised Arsenal not to sign Gyokeres, he does believe the Gunners desperately need a new striker.
Alexander Isak is believed to be Mikel Arteta’s top target but Ferdinand cannot see Arsenal agreeing a deal with Newcastle United, who value the player at more than £120m.
‘Arsenal are not getting Isak so they need to be realistic,’ the six-time Premier League winner added.
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