Rio Ferdinand has warned Manchester United and Arsenal against signing Viktor Gyokeres, claiming the Sweden international would struggle to adapt to the Premier League's physicality. The former Manchester United defender expressed doubts about the striker's ability to replicate his prolific form in England.
Gyokeres has scored 82 goals in 90 games for Sporting Lisbon over the past two seasons, attracting interest from both clubs. The 26-year-old has a release clause worth €100m, but he could be available for around £63m.
Ruben Amorim, who coached Gyokeres at Sporting before taking charge at Manchester United in November, is expected to sign a new striker this summer. United spent over £100m on Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, but neither has proven consistently reliable.
Arsenal also need attacking reinforcements after opting not to sign a striker in January, a decision that quickly backfired. Former defender Joleon Lescott echoed Ferdinand's concerns, comparing Gyokeres to Timo Werner's struggles with Premier League physicality during his time at Chelsea.
Ferdinand acknowledged Arsenal's urgent need for a striker but ruled out a move for Newcastle's Alexander Isak, valued at over £120m. 'Arsenal are not getting Isak so they need to be realistic,' he said, urging the club to consider alternative options.
