Michael Owen raises doubts over £60million Arsenal star after Atletico Madrid win

Michael Owen has raised fresh doubts about Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres despite producing arguably his best display for the club in last night’s win over Atletico Madrid.

The Sweden international’s penalty in the first leg meant last night’s Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid was evenly poised.

And, although he failed to find the back of the net against Diego Simeone’s men at the Emirates, he led the line in a spirited and determined fashion, bullying the Spanish side’s central defenders.

Ultimately it was Bukayo Saka’s goal that booked Arsenal’s place in the final later this month, but Gyokeres’ contribution did not go unnoticed by his manager.

Mikel Arteta said: ‘He was immense.

‘You can see the reaction from the crowd every time he had the ball, his work rate and what he’s giving the team is just incredible.’

Overall Gyokeres has scored over 20 goals in all competitions for Arsenal since his summer move from Sporting Lisbon, but Owen hinted he doesn’t fully believe he is the long-term answer to Arsenal search for a world-class centre forward.

He told talkSPORT: I’d say OK. He’s certainly not been a disappointment but certainly not set the place on fire.

‘I think he’s scored about 14 Premier League goals and into the 20s in terms of all competitions, so solid for somebody like that.

I still don’t think that… the problem is that there’s not that many great centre forwards about. Arsenal have been searching and searching and searching.

They’ve got a Havertz who can do a good job and I really rate him. They’ve got a Gyokeres, they’ve got Jesus.

‘But none of them are the Haaland or Mbappe, or Kane that everyone is looking for.

‘To be that is hard to find. They are doing brilliantly well with a player who doesn’t go and score 30-odd goals a season.’