Arsenal’s Transfer Mistake? Joleon Lescott Names Two Strikers the Gunners Should Have Signed Instead of Viktor Gyökeres

 

​The race for the Premier League title in 2026 has been nothing short of a tactical chess match, but for Arsenal, the conversation has shifted from their defensive solidity to their lack of clinical efficiency in front of goal. Former Manchester City defender and Premier League pundit Joleon Lescott has now weighed in on the Gunners' attacking woes, claiming that Arsenal made a strategic error by signing Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting Lisbon last summer.

​In a candid assessment of Mikel Arteta’s squad, Lescott suggested that two other Premier League proven talents would have been better fits for the North London side. As Arsenal navigates the high-pressure final months of the season, the performance of their big-money Swedish striker remains under intense scrutiny.

​The Gyökeres Dilemma: Why the Hype Hasn't Matched the Reality

​When Arsenal secured the signature of Viktor Gyökeres, it was hailed as the missing piece of the puzzle. The 27-year-old had been prolific in Portugal, scoring nearly 100 goals over two seasons. However, the transition to the English Premier League has been challenging. Despite an improvement in his form since the start of 2026, many fans and pundits feel he lacks the "extra gear" required to lead a title-winning side.

​Lescott, speaking on Sky Bet, described Gyökeres’ impact as merely "okay." He argued that at a club like Arsenal, being "okay" isn't enough to dethrone a juggernaut like Manchester City. "I thought Viktor Gyökeres was brought in to start for Arsenal and play in all the big games," Lescott stated. "They brought him in because they thought he was the best of the available strikers, but it hasn't quite clicked."

​The Two Strikers Arsenal Missed Out On

​Instead of the Swedish international, Lescott believes the Gunners should have looked closer to home. He specifically named João Pedro (now at Chelsea) and Hugo Ekitiké (now at Liverpool) as the players who could have truly transformed Arteta’s front line.

​1. João Pedro (Chelsea)

​Lescott expressed disbelief that Arsenal didn't make a stronger move for João Pedro. The Brazilian forward has flourished at Chelsea, offering a blend of technical skill, aerial prowess, and the ability to link up play—traits that are essential for Arsenal's intricate attacking system. "Joao Pedro is another striker I don’t know why Arsenal didn’t buy," Lescott remarked, highlighting the player's adaptability and "big game" temperament.

​2. Hugo Ekitiké (Liverpool)

​The second name on Lescott’s list was Hugo Ekitiké. The French forward, who eventually joined Liverpool, was identified by Lescott as a missed opportunity for the Gunners. Ekitiké’s pace and clinical finishing have made him a standout performer in the 2025/2026 season, often making the difference in tight encounters—something Gyökeres has struggled to do consistently for Arsenal.

​The Impact on Arsenal’s Title Charge

​Lescott’s critique comes at a sensitive time. While Arsenal recently secured a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Wolves, the inability to finish off chances has led to dropped points that could prove fatal in the title race. The pundit warned that while Arteta is a tactical mastermind, his reliance on a striker who is still "finding his feet" could cost them the Premier League crown.

​However, Lescott did offer a silver lining for Arsenal fans. He noted that the team’s rotation policy and squad depth make them a much more dangerous prospect in the UEFA Champions League, where the knockout format rewards tactical flexibility over the week-in-week-out consistency required to win the league.

​Can Gyökeres Prove the Critics Wrong?

​Despite the criticism, Mikel Arteta remains publicly supportive of his striker. The Swedish forward has shown glimpses of the "beast" he was in Portugal, but the Premier League's physical demands and faster pace mean the adaptation period has been longer than expected.

​As the season reaches its climax, Gyökeres has a narrow window to silence skeptics like Lescott. If he can deliver goals in the North London Derby or against title rivals, the narrative surrounding his transfer will shift. But for now, the "what if" games regarding João Pedro and Hugo Ekitiké will continue to haunt the Emirates Stadium.