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Glenn Murray believes that his former Brighton & Hove Albion team-mate Viktor Gyokeres will struggle to fire Arsenal to Premier League glory this season.
Gyokeres, 27, completed a blockbuster move to the Emirates Stadium for an initial transfer fee of €65.8 million in late July, following a lengthy negotiation process, and he is expected to help the Gunners end a five-year trophy drought.
The 27-year-old is the first out-and-out striker to have been signed by Mikel Arteta during his tenure in north London, with Gabriel Jesus and Havertz both considered as versatile forwards, and his arrival has been met with much fanfare.
However, Murray, who played with Gyokeres during their time together at Brighton, believes the Sweden star may struggle to live up to expectations.
What has Glenn Murray said about Viktor Gyokeres?
“I don’t think Gyokeres is the one – it’s such a big step,” Murray told BBC Sport. “I was with him at Brighton and I never had him down to be a £64m striker.
“When Ben White stepped into our first team, right away everyone knew how good he was – he was of that standard.
“When Viktor came in, it was more a case where you thought ‘he was all right’. I am not sure he suits Arsenal’s style, either.”
Arsenal were also interested in signing Benjamin Sesko this summer, however they ultimately decided to pursue a deal for Gyokeres instead, and the RB Leipzig striker eventually joined Manchester United for €76.5m in early August.
Gyokeres scored his first Arsenal goal during a 3-0 pre-season win over Athletic Club last weekend, and he could make his competitive debut for the club in their first Premier League fixture of the season against Man Utd on Sunday.
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