Deeney cautions Manchester United and Arsenal that Gyokeres is not a natural finisher.
Former Watford striker Troy Deeney has warned Arsenal and Manchester United against signing Sporting Lisbon forward Viktor Gyokeres.
He claims the Swedish striker is not a natural finisher and would struggle in the Premier League.
Gyokeres, Europe’s top scorer in 2024, has netted 62 goals for club and country over the past year, making him one of the most sought-after strikers in European football.
Arsenal have reportedly identified the 26-year-old as a cheaper alternative to Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, while Manchester United are also monitoring him ahead of a potential summer move.
However, Deeney believes the former Coventry City striker would fail to elevate either club to the Premier League title.
“I genuinely think he’s a good footballer, he works really hard, all of that. But I don’t think he’s a natural finisher,” Deeney told talkSPORT.
The ex-striker compared Gyokeres to Liverpool’s Darwin Núñez, who scored 34 goals in his final season at Benfica but has struggled to replicate that form in England.
“It’s not the same league, and we’ll find that out when Gyokeres comes over,” Deeney added.
Sporting Lisbon are reportedly willing to accept £58.5 million for Gyokeres, despite his £85 million release clause.
The striker has impressed in Portugal, helping Sporting win the league title, but questions remain over whether he can replicate his form in the Premier League.
