Former Manchester United star Michael Owen has voiced his dissatisfaction with Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres despite the Gunners’ Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid. Speaking on talkSPORT, Owen claimed the Swedish international has failed to make a significant impact since his move to the Emirates.
Owen drew comparisons between Gyokeres and some of Europe’s elite forwards, including Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, and Harry Kane, suggesting the Arsenal man is not in their league. According to Owen, Gyokeres has not ‘set the place on fire’ and has been underwhelming.
The former England international acknowledged that Arsenal have capable options like Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, but insisted none of them match the quality of the top strikers currently dominating the game. ‘They have Havertz, who I rate highly, and Gyokeres and Jesus, but none are the Haaland, Mbappe, or Kane that everyone wants,’ Owen said.
Owen’s comments come after Arsenal’s narrow 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-final second leg, securing their place in the final. Despite the team’s success, the spotlight remains on their striking options, with critics questioning whether they have a world-class number nine.