He will score goals, just watch — Ian Wright warns Gyokeres doubters

Ian Wright has brushed aside doubts about Viktor Gyokeres’ lack of top-flight experience, giving the Gunners’ marquee summer signing the “benefit of the doubt” due to his attitude and mentality.

After five seasons without major silverware, Arsenal made signing a striker their priority.

Gyokeres, who scored an astonishing 54 goals in 52 games to help Sporting win a domestic double last season, joined the Gunners but has faced criticism for lackluster pre-season performances.

Some fans question his ability to adapt to the Premier League, but Wright, speaking on the SDS podcast, compared Gyokeres’ situation to his own 1991 transfer from Crystal Palace to Arsenal.

“People are talking about the league Gyokeres played in… it doesn’t matter,” Wright said.

“What I’ve heard and what I love is that man wants to be there. I wanted to be there because I knew once I got in amongst these guys and they create these chances, I’m going to take them.”

Wright is confident the 27-year-old’s hunger will translate into goals, even if it takes time for him to settle at Arsenal.

"If he starts the season and he doesn’t score for a couple of games, it’s going to come,’ he went on.

"With Gyokeres, I can see the mentality, and if he’s anything like I was, he himself can’t wait because he knows what he’s going into."