‘I haven't seen enough’ — Ferdinand questions Arsenal’s Gyokeres’ price tag

Arsenal’s £63million summer signing Viktor Gyokeres has already sparked debate after his Premier League debut, with Rio Ferdinand openly questioning whether the striker can live up to his hefty price tag.

The Manchester United legend urged fans to temper expectations after the Swede failed to make an impact against his old club.

Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents, the 46-year-old pundit admitted he is unconvinced by Gyokeres so far.

“Calm down. I’ve seen him live twice and I watched him [play for Arsenal against Man United on Sunday]. I haven’t seen enough to warrant his [price tag] given his performance against a dysfunctional Man United. 100%, I didn’t see it.”

Ferdinand did highlight areas of promise, pointing out that Gyokeres is physically capable of running channels and enjoys stretching defences, but argued the real test will come in front of goal.

“That’s where he is going to earn his money and that’s how he will be judged. But you have to give someone time \[to prove themselves] and you can’t judge someone after the first game.”

Ferdinand’s comments sparked further debate among fellow pundits Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville, who clashed on Sky Sports over how Mikel Arteta will use the forward.

Carragher predicted that “they go back to Havertz in the biggest games” despite backing Gyokeres to score goals across the season.

Neville disagreed, insisting, “He can’t leave Gyokeres out of big games,” before suggesting a system where Havertz and Gyokeres could play together.

With Gyokeres returning to English football after prolific spells at Sporting CP, his performances will remain under the spotlight, and whether Ferdinand’s scepticism proves right will be one of Arsenal’s defining storylines this season.