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Viktor Gyokeres Concerns Emerge Despite Arsenal’s 3-0 Win vs Club Brugge

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Mikel Arteta’s biggest kryptonite on his journey to proving he can be the manager to fix Arsenal’s trophy drought has been his striking department. And after the Gunners’ 3-0 win over Club Brugge in the Champions League on Wednesday night, it seems everyone is making the same worrying point about Viktor Gyokeres.

The Sweden international was bought for an initial £55 million from Sporting over the summer, with hopes that his record of 54 goals in 52 appearances – which earned him the Gerd Muller Trophy at the Ballon d’Or ceremony – would ease the attacking burden on Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka, and immediately transform Arsenal’s frontline. But already, there is cause for concern.

For those who were skeptical about the fact that he’s 27 and has never played in Europe’s big five leagues, that cynicism has only been vindicated following his performance in Belgium midweek.

Viktor Gyokeres’ Performance in Club Brugge 0-3 Arsenal

Viktor Gyokeres vs Club Brugge

Gyokeres played 62 minutes against Club Brugge. But while his wingers – Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke – were involved in all three goals, the Swedish forward largely went invisible. Only one of his three shots hit the target, he missed two big chances, lost possession nine times, and lost both of his aerial duels, despite previously being known for his height and strength.

His movement is clunky, despite supposedly being fast, and it’s difficult to see right now if Gyokeres will ever be the striker Arsenal were hoping for. Signed as his club’s answer to the Erling Haaland debate, the fact that four of his six goals in 18 appearances this season have come against sides in the bottom five at the time doesn’t bode well for him as the difference-maker between Arsenal finishing first rather than second.

Viktor Gyokeres shakes hands with manager Mikel Arteta after being substituted
Premier League – Manchester United v Arsenal – Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain – August 17, 2025 Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres shakes hands with manager Mikel Arteta after being substituted REUTERS/Peter Powell

There’s a reason Mikel Merino has been deployed in Gyokeres’ position at times, after impressing in it throughout last season. Meanwhile, the performance of Gabriel Jesus – who played just 28 minutes – gives those at Emirates Stadium even more reason to worry.

The Worrying Contrast in Gyokeres’ Performance Compared to Gabriel Jesus

Gabriel Jesus

Despite only just returning from an ACL injury that saw him sidelined for 319 days, and the fact he played less than half of the minutes Gyokeres did, Jesus left a greater impression on his supporters. He was able to notch more shots on target from the same amount taken, his passing accuracy was higher, and he won all of his duels. Reacting to his performance, one X user remarked:

“The quality difference between Gabriel Jesus and [Viktor] Gyokeres is frightening.”

A second asked: “When is it safe to admit I’m very worried about Gyokeres?” while a third wrote: “Gabriel Jesus was miles better than Gyokeres, and he’s been out injured like a year. If that’s not a red flag at this point…”

Elsewhere, a fourth concluded: “People saying Arsenal players pass to Jesus but not Gyokeres. Well yeah, because one gets in good positions, knows how to control the ball, keep the attack going and create for others. The other doesn’t. It is not deep.”

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Leeds Table First Bid For Shea Charles

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Leeds United are making their first moves of the summer transfer window, as reports have emerged over a first bid that has been made for a key target in the market.

It comes as the Elland Road outfit have started to put plans into action for possible arrivals, with Harry Wilson and Julian Brandt viewed as potential free agent signings over the next few weeks.

The duo would come as low-cost options around the peak of their career, but there is also a long-term side to the potential deals on the cards for Daniel Farke.

That’s where Leeds‘ move for Shea Charles comes into view.

Leeds Make Shea Charles Offer

Southampton midfielder Shea Charles in action vs Wrexham

Having previously shown interest in the star, Leeds have revived a possible deal to sign Southampton ace Charles over the coming weeks of the transfer window.

According to Daily Mail journalist Simon Jones, the Whites have made an initial offer for the midfielder worth over £20 million to the Saints to try and tempt a deal.

The 22-year-old has impressed in his time on the south coast, featuring 38 times across all competitions, with six goals and two assists to his name.

Charles is entering the final year under contract at Saint Mary’s, having signed a four-year deal when he joined from Manchester City back in 2023.

The Northern Ireland international has shown plenty of signs that he has all the qualities to play at the highest level, with potential to grow even further.

Leeds appear to be banking on that possibility with a high offer for a player who is entering the last 12 months of their contract, coming as a long-term move to keep the club competing in the top tier.

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What Pep Guardiola Said About Charles

Pep Guardiola at Old Trafford
Pep Guardiola at Old Trafford

Charles came through the academy at Man City, showing plenty of potential before moving on to join Southampton in the Premier League.

The midfielder managed to make his debut for City under Pep Guardiola before moving on, with his single appearance coming in a clash with Brentford.

The manager heaped praise on Charles after his debut, seemingly loving what he saw from the star, despite the eventual defeat to the Bees on the day.

“When you can make your debut, after joining the club at nine years old and grew up to make a debut is the biggest compliment for all the managers he had and the trainers and those that take care of him,” Guardiola said. “I’m pretty sure it’s a big moment for him.


Daniel Farke


Talks Held: Leeds Want ‘Incredible’ Free Agent As Transfer Race Heats Up

Leeds United are entering the market with a few key targets in mind, a few of whom are free agent options.

“We know him, he trains quite regularly with us, he’s so good, so composed. For these guys, the best way to give them the opportunity to play is to surround them with the normal team and protection but it’s not easy.

“Shea Charles against this team with top, top strikers, fast and strong, it’s not the easiest debut.”

While he was ultimately free to leave Man City, it was clear that he had a bright future in the game, one that Leeds will be looking to take advantage of.

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Man Utd Block Sale of Benjamin Sesko As European Giants Eye Transfer

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Manchester United have blocked a possible exit for one of their stars this summer, according to TeamTalk, as European teams eye a potential deal in the transfer window.

The Red Devils are keen to strengthen their ranks, following an impressive second-half of the previous season that saw Michael Carrick guide the team back into the Champions League.

The challenge now is to compete in a similar way in the Premier League, while impressing in Europe as well as the domestic cups when they come around.

Not only is the need for quality there, but depth is also a requirement. It will be costly, with high-profile moves for Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes likely to take up much of the budget.

That’s where some sales could come in, but Man United are adamant that one in-demand star won’t be sold.

Man United Block Benjamin Sesko Exit

Benjamin Sesko
Benjamin Sesko

One of the stars who is attracting interest is Benjamin Sesko, as TeamTalk reports that Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have shown interest in a possible deal for the striker.

Enquiries have been made about the availability of the 23-year-old, but Man United have shown no interest in parting ways with the star this summer.

Both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have used the opportunity to scout the market for possible striker options, due to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Julian Alvarez’s future.

As such, Sesko has appeared as a player of interest, but Man United are not envisaging a sale after spending over £70 million to land him from RB Leipzig last summer.

It means both Spanish clubs will need to move on, while the Red Devils plan to build their team around the Slovenian international for the future.

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Sesko’s Man Utd Development

Benjamin Sesko celebrates scoring for Manchester United (2)

After shelling out a huge fee to land Sesko last summer, Man United had to give the star signing some time to get up to speed as he continued to develop.

At such a young age, the striker was always going to need to adjust to the Premier League and the challenges that come with starting regularly for the Red Devils.


Michael Carrick


After Fernandes: Man Utd Hold Talks to Sign ‘Most Underrated Midfielder in Europe’

Manchester United continue to push for potential signings in the transfer market, with the midfield being a key area of focus.

In the end, Sesko stepped up and banged in 11 league goals, an impressive return for a debut campaign, and there is hope that more is to come in the future.

By the close of the season, many could see the quality he possesses. Bruno Fernandes described him as a “very good” player, and there’s hope he could become even better.

That will be a driving factor behind keeping Sesko for years to come. The deal was a long-term one, with the future in mind.

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5 World Cup Nations Cristiano Ronaldo Jr Could Play For

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Cristiano Ronaldo is taking part in what is expected to be his final World Cup in 2026, but his son could continue his legacy from 2030 onwards if he continues on his current trajectory.

Recently turned 16, Cristiano Junior has trained in the youth academies of Manchester United, Juventus and Al-Nassr. He’s also represented Portugal at Under-15 and Under-16 level.

If he continues on that path, he’ll take over from his father, provided the teenager is deemed good enough to play for the senior team eventually. He has already overtaken his 6’2″ dad in height and has scored a huge number of goals in his youth career.

A tug-of-war could break out soon enough as Cristiano Jr could technically ply his trade for five different countries. But who are they and what is the link to Ronaldo’s son?

Ronaldo Jr Has 5 World Cup Nations to Choose From

Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo REUTERS/Phil Noble

The most obvious nation the youngster could choose to represent is that of his father. Ronaldo Jr wasn’t born in his dad’s homeland, but looks most likely to choose the 2026 World Cup favourites as his international team.

United States of America

USMNT Albert Gea via Reuters

The young forward was born in La Mesa, California. That means he could be donning the colours of the USMNT for the next World Cup. They have been one of the surprise packages of this year’s competition so far, but this would be an incredible coup to snap up the child of one of football’s greats.


Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal Christian Pulisic USMNT World Cup 2026


Every Country at World Cup 2026 Ranked by Population

Having a massive population is not necessarily a guarantor of sporting success, as the range of numbers show here!

Spain

Spain flags REUTERS/Annegret Hilse

Under Spanish law, Ronaldo Jr could apply for citizenship and become a member of Luis de la Fuente’s European champions. This is because he spent more than three years living in the country while his dad was playing for Real Madrid.

England

Players of England line up for team photo during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match vs Croatia England stars via Reuters: Sanjin Strukic/PIXSELL/Sipa USA

If he keeps improving and scoring goals, there’s every chance the English Football Association will throw an interested glance in the 16-year-old’s direction. Having a Ronaldo turning out for England would be incredible to see. Again, he could become a British citizen due to the time his father spent at Manchester United.

Cape Verde

Cape Verde Paul Childs via Reuters

The least likely of his future international teams is Cape Verde. That’s if he takes footballing reasons into account. The African minnows have qualified for their second-ever World Cup in 2026, but can’t compete with the four other powerhouses Ronaldo Jr can pick from. However, he is entitled to play for them through his biological grandmother, Maria Dolores dos Santos Aveiro.

World Cup History Quiz

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