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Arsenal could be about to make a signing that actually makes Bukayo Saka look worse

Charles Jones

Tue 8 July 2025 17:45, UK

Viktor Gyokeres appears to be Arsenal-bound as the Gunners seem to have finally honed in on their striker target.

Arsenal have been searching for a new number nine for an eternity at this point, and it looks as if Gyokeres could be the one for Arsenal.

Benjamin Sesko was linked to the Gunners, but now, the Sporting star appears to be first-choice.

Inevitably, many are excited to see Viktor Gyokeres come to Arsenal, but there may be one player who is slightly negatively affected by this move.

Indeed, as strange as this sounds, Bukayo Saka could be made to look worse once Gyokeres arrives at the Emirates.

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Bukayo Saka’s stats could suffer if Viktor Gyokeres joins Arsenal

Viktor Gyokeres’ arrival at Arsenal should make the Gunners a stronger force as they look to push on and become Premier League champions.

However, Bukayo Saka’s stat sheet may suffer after this move.

Indeed, Saka has been putting up brilliant numbers in the Premier League over the past two seasons, but, it has to be said, a fair few of these goals have come from the penalty spot.

Almost a third of Saka’s goals over the past two Premier League seasons have been from penalties, and if Gyokeres comes in, Saka may be taken off penalty duty.

Viktor Gyokeres penalty record compared to Bukayo Saka

Simply put, Viktor Gyokeres’ penalty record is much better than Bukayo Saka’s.

Gyokeres has scored more penalties than Saka, and he scores spot kicks at a higher rate too.

Mikel Arteta isn’t afraid to make big decisions on key players if they lead to marginal gains – just ask Aaron Ramsdale about that, and taking Saka off penalties in favour of Gyokeres does make sense statistically.

You want your striker scoring as many goals as possible to get that confidence flowing, and putting Gyokeres on penalties is a great way to get the ball rolling on that front.

Don’t be surprised if Saka’s numbers take a hit once Gyokeres arrives as he may well be taken off penalty duties at Arsenal.

Saka will still be a world-class player, but his numbers may not be as impressive going forwards.