Manchester United and England legend Wayne Rooney has officially named Viktor Gyokeres as the Premier League’s signing of the season following Arsenal’s historic title win. The former striker believes the Swedish international provided the clinical edge necessary to finally push Mikel Arteta’s side over the finish line.
Arsenal ended over two decades of hurt on Sunday by finally hoisting the Premier League trophy, having finished seven points clear of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. While Arteta spent over £250 million on a host of talent, including Martin Zubimendi and Eberechi Eze, Rooney insists that Gyokeres stood above the rest.
The 27-year-old forward, who arrived as part of a massive summer overhaul at the Emirates, overcame a difficult start to life in North London to become the spearhead of a championship-winning side.
The striker netted 21 goals across all competitions, playing a pivotal role in the domestic title win and the club’s journey to the Champions League final.
Speaking on his BBC podcast following the conclusion of the 2025-26 campaign, Rooney was asked to identify the individual who made the biggest impact on the division. Despite competition from other high-performers, the United icon was firm in his assessment of the Swedish international’s contribution to the Gunners.
Rooney stated: “I think Viktor Gyokeres. Granit Xhaka has been brilliant for Sunderland but look at what Gyokeres has brought to Arsenal, it’s exactly what they’ve needed. Finishing second over the last three years, I think he’s given Arsenal something a bit different and that’s been a big factor in them winning the Premier League.”
After falling short against Man City in three consecutive runner-up finishes, the Arsenal boss moved away from seemingly trying to mirror the tactical blueprint of his mentor, Guardiola, in favour of a more robust profile.
“Champions are champions,” Rooney added when discussing the North London side’s evolution. “I have actually really liked how they’ve played this season. Everyone now wants to play like how Pep Guardiola’s teams play but Mikel Arteta has tried that for the last three years and he hasn’t won the league. He’s changed the recruitment. They’ve gone more to a bigger, more physical team, and they don’t concede goals.”
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