Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has described Viktor Gyokeres as a “major factor” in Arsenal’s pursuit of a historic Premier League and Champions League double this season.

The Sweden international joined Arsenal from Sporting in a £64 million move last summer and endured a difficult start to life in north London.

Gyokeres scored only three goals in his opening 11 appearances and later went through a 10-match run without a goal from open play. However, the striker has rediscovered form in recent weeks, scoring five goals in his last nine games while also impressing with his overall contribution to Arsenal’s attack.

Arsenal are now just two matches away from winning their first league title since 2004 and have also reached the Champions League final, where they will face Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest on May 30.

Rooney praises Gyokeres’ all-round contribution

Speaking on The Overlap, Rooney said Gyokeres has brought qualities Arsenal had been missing in recent years.

“I’ve said this all season and I have been criticised for saying it, but I actually really like him,” Rooney said.

“What he brings to that Arsenal team is that he occupies defenders. He makes them work, he makes them defend, he runs the channels.

“And what we’ve seen recently is that it’s creating more space for Eze and for Saka – because if one, or both centre-backs have to go and cover him and then the full-back has to cover round, when you switch the ball quickly, it creates so much space for everyone just in behind him.

Arsenal Closing in on Silverware

Gyokeres has scored 21 goals in all competitions this season, becoming only the third Arsenal player to reach the 20-goal mark in his debut campaign after club legends Thierry Henry and Ian Wright.

Although his tally remains below that of Erling Haaland at Manchester City, Rooney believes the striker’s influence goes beyond goals.

“Over the last few weeks he has been showing that even more and if Arsenal go on to win the league and the Champions League, he’ll be a major reason behind it, because that’s where Arsenal have been short in the last few years,” Rooney said.

“I know he hasn’t scored the goals Haaland has scored, but he has been really important for that Arsenal team and he will be a major factor if they do win the two of them.”

Arsenal can secure the Premier League title by winning their remaining matches against Burnley and Crystal Palace.