"You have a penalty box predator. Numbers don't lie, and Arsenal creates a lot of chances. It'll be the perfect combination," the SunSport quoted Henry as saying ahead of the 2025-2026 Premier League opening weekend. "But the key is patience. Fans now want the new signing to score and the team to win immediately, but that rarely happens. Sometimes, it takes time to integrate. I want to see the player perform before making judgments, rather than talking too much before they play."

Viktor Gyokeres during an Arsenal training session on 15/8. Photo: Arsenal FC

Viktor Gyokeres during an Arsenal training session on 15/8. Photo: Arsenal FC

Gyokeres, signed from Sporting for a total of 86 million USD, is expected to solve Arsenal's attacking issues, hampered by long-term injuries last season. There were times when, due to the simultaneous absences of Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz, manager Mikel Arteta even had to deploy fellow countryman and midfielder Mikel Merino as a center-forward.

In the past two seasons, Gyokeres scored 68 goals in the Portuguese league, leading all of Europe among the top 10 leagues. However, the striker had a forgettable period in England. Gyokeres was with Brighton from 2018 to 2021 but never played in the Premier League. After joining Arsenal this summer, the Swedish striker declared his return to England's top flight to prove his abilities.

"He has tasted failure, so he understands pressure. Now he is more confident, physically stronger, and a penalty box predator. That's the image of a striker who has transformed himself to rise to the top," Henry commented.

Viktor Gyokeres scores with a diving header in Arsenal's 3-0 win over Bilbao at Emirates Stadium, London, England, on 9/8/2025. Photo: Arsenal FC

Viktor Gyokeres scores with a diving header in Arsenal's 3-0 win over Bilbao at Emirates Stadium, London, England, on 9/8/2025. Photo: Arsenal FC

While waiting to sign with Arsenal at the end of July, Gyokeres maintained his training regimen in his private gym within his luxury Lisbon apartment, dedicating most of his time to rest, a healthy diet, and physical conditioning.

Henry emphasized that Gyokeres' transformation, both physically and mentally, is key to his surge in Portugal. The former French striker was also impressed by Gyokeres's classic number 9 play, best exemplified by his positioning and headed goal in the 3-0 friendly win against Bilbao last weekend.

"That header shows his goal-scoring instinct. Gyokeres isn't a deep-lying number 9 like Firmino, but he's always in the box, between the posts, waiting for the ball to finish," Henry analyzed.

Gyokeres chose the number 14 shirt, the same number worn by Henry, who scored 228 goals for Arsenal between 1999 and 2006, winning two Premier League titles. However, Henry asserted that Arsenal cannot rely on just one individual: "You can score many goals but still not win the championship. The surrounding team is the deciding factor. I hope Gyokeres will be the final piece for Arsenal to lift the Cup, but many teams want the same," the 47-year-old legend emphasized.

The Gunners face a tough early schedule, playing Man Utd, Liverpool, Nottingham Forest, Man City, and Newcastle in their first six matches. According to Henry, if the start isn't good, the pressure will quickly mount on Arteta. "But this year must be the year Arsenal proves something," he added.

Hong Duy (The Sun)