Wayne Rooney Backs Arsenal Striker Gyökeres
When Wayne Rooney speaks about strikers, people tend to listen. He has played the role at the very highest level, felt the pressure of leading the line, and understands what it takes to succeed under heavy expectations. That is why his recent backing of Viktor Gyökeres as an Arsenal option has drawn significant attention.
Rooney’s support was not based on hype or highlight clips. It came from watching how Gyökeres plays the game. According to Rooney, Arsenal need a striker who is comfortable doing the hard work as well as finishing chances. Someone who can occupy defenders, battle physically, and still stay calm when the moment to score arrives. In his view, Gyökeres fits that description.
Gyökeres is not the type of forward who waits quietly in the box for service. He is active, aggressive, and constantly involved. He presses defenders, runs channels, and uses his strength to hold the ball up. For a team like Arsenal, which often dominates possession, that profile can be crucial. It gives midfielders and wingers a reference point, someone they can play off when space becomes tight.
One of the reasons Rooney seems convinced is Gyökeres’ mentality. He does not shy away from physical battles. He welcomes contact in the Premier League; that matters. Defenders test strikers early. They want to see who is willing to fight and who isn’t. Gyökeres has shown that he doesn’t back down, and Rooney clearly values that trait.
Rooney also highlighted movement as a key strength. Gyökeres does not stand still. He drags defenders out of position, creating gaps for others to attack. Arsenal’s attacking players thrive on space and quick combinations, and a striker who understands movement rather than just finishing can elevate the entire front line.
What makes this backing interesting is that Rooney is not someone who praises forwards lightly. He has seen many talented strikers struggle because they were not prepared for the pressure of playing for a top club. Arsenal is not a place where you can grow quietly. Every performance is analyzed. Every missed chance is discussed. Rooney believes Gyökeres has the personality to handle that environment.
There is also a practical side to this discussion. Arsenal have been close to major success, but small margins have held them back. In tight matches, the difference often comes down to having a striker who can turn half-chances into goals or relieve pressure by holding the ball up. Rooney’s view is that Gyökeres offers that option without changing Arsenal’s overall identity.
Of course, any move would come with questions. The Premier League is unforgiving, and not every striker adapts instantly. Rooney understands that better than most. But he also knows that confidence, work rate, and attitude often decide whether a player survives the transition. From what he has seen, Gyökeres ticks those boxes.
For Arsenal supporters, Rooney’s backing adds weight to the conversation. Fans can debate tactics and statistics, but hearing approval from someone who has played and scored at the highest level carries authority. It suggests that Gyökeres is not just a name being mentioned for attention, but a player who fits what Arsenal are trying to build.
This does not mean Gyökeres is the only answer or that it will be a guaranteed success. Football rarely works that way. But Rooney’s support points to something important: Arsenal need a striker who embraces responsibility, not one who hides from it. A player who is ready to fight for space, lead the line, and accept scrutiny.
In many ways, Rooney’s comments feel grounded. They are not about marketing or trends. They are about the basics of being a striker at a top club. Effort. Strength. Movement. Mentality.
Whether Arsenal acts on that idea or not remains to be seen. But when a former elite striker publicly backs a player, it is worth paying attention. Rooney knows what pressure looks like. He knows what success demands.
And in Viktor Gyökeres, he sees a striker who might just be ready for the challenge.