Wayne Rooney has hailed Viktor Gyökeres as the Premier League signing of the season following the striker’s outstanding debut campaign with Arsenal F.C..

Speaking on the BBC podcast after the conclusion of the 2025/26 season, the former Manchester United F.C. captain praised the Sweden international for transforming Arsenal’s attack and helping the Gunners finally secure the Premier League title.

“I think Viktor Gyokeres,” Rooney said when asked to pick the signing of the season.

“Granit Xhaka has been brilliant for Sunderland, but look at what Gyokeres has brought to Arsenal; it’s exactly what they have 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.”

Gyokeres joined Arsenal from Sporting CP last summer after attracting attention across Europe with his impressive performances in Portugal.

The striker quickly adapted to English football and became one of the key figures in Mikel Arteta’s side during their title-winning campaign.

Opinion: Gyokeres Solved Arsenal’s Biggest Problem

For the past few seasons, Arsenal looked like a brilliant team missing just one crucial piece — a ruthless striker who could consistently deliver in decisive moments.

That missing piece appears to have been Viktor Gyokeres.

The Swedish forward brought something Arsenal lacked during previous title races: physicality, aggression, and a striker’s instinct inside the penalty area. While Arsenal already had creativity and technical quality, Gyokeres added fear factor.

Defenders no longer felt comfortable against Arsenal because Gyokeres constantly stretches backlines, presses aggressively, and turns half-chances into goals.

What makes his impact even more impressive is the pressure surrounding his arrival. Arsenal fans were desperate for a striker capable of taking them from contenders to champions, and Gyokeres embraced that responsibility immediately.

Wayne Rooney’s praise also carries weight because few people understand Premier League strikers better than him. When a legend like Rooney highlights a player’s influence, it shows just how important Gyokeres has become.

If Arsenal can keep this squad together, Gyokeres may not only become one of the signings of the season — he could become the striker who leads Arsenal into a new era of dominance in English football.