Joleon Lescott claims Arsenal should have signed Joao Pedro over Viktor Gyokeres
Former England defender Joleon Lescott has scrutinised Arsenal’s decision to sign Viktor Gyokeres, claiming the Gunners should have purchased Joao Pedro instead.
Gyokeres arrived at the Emirates Stadium from Sporting Lisbon for £64m this summer as the club’s primary transfer target.
However, the Sweden international has struggled to replicate his prolific Portuguese form since moving to North London.
The 27-year-old has scored just eight times in 25 appearances across all competitions.
His latest display came in a frustrating 2-2 draw against struggling Wolves on Wednesday night.
Lescott questions transfer strategy
Lescott believes Arsenal missed a trick by overlooking other Premier League-proven options during the window.
Speaking to Sky Bet, the pundit highlighted Chelsea’s Joao Pedro and Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike as superior alternatives.
“I thought Viktor Gyokeres was brought in to start for Arsenal. You’re not spending that amount of money, having identified that position, for him not to play.”
Joleon Lescott, speaking to Sky Bet
“It’s easy to say now that Arsenal should have gone for Hugo Ekitike. Joao Pedro is another striker I don’t know why Arsenal didn’t buy.”
Lescott referenced a period earlier in the campaign where the striker was frequently left out of the starting line-up.
Rivals outperforming Gunners forward
Both suggested alternatives have enjoyed stronger individual campaigns than the Arsenal man.
Pedro, who moved to Stamford Bridge for £60m, has netted 10 Premier League goals and provided four assists.
The former Brighton forward had been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates before Chelsea completed the deal.
Meanwhile, Ekitike joined Liverpool in a £79m transfer and has also reached double figures for goals this term.
Despite Arsenal’s ongoing title bid, the scrutiny on their centre-forward continues to grow.
Former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann has also weighed in on Gyokeres’ struggles recently.
Hamann stated last month that he did not believe the forward was “good enough” for a side chasing major silverware.