In a surprising statement to one of the Spanish newspapers that follow FC Barcelona, Polish striker Robert Lewandowski explained that he does not believe that any striker in the world can replace his place in the team despite his current age, and the Polish indicated that even Gyokeres, who has been linked with Barcelona, can do it.

Arsenal's interest in the player due to his performance

At just 26 years old and coming off a sensational 54-goal season, Viktor Gyökeres finds himself at the center of what could be one of the summer’s biggest transfer stories. The Swedish striker’s explosive form has inevitably put Europe’s top clubs on alert, with Sporting Lisbon reportedly willing to negotiate his departure—for the right price.

Though his official release clause stands at a hefty £84 million, whispers of a behind-the-scenes "gentleman’s agreement" suggest Sporting might accept a lower offer, possibly around £67 million. Given Gyökeres’ age, his lethal efficiency in front of goal, and the fact he’s entering his peak years, it would be shocking if elite sides didn’t test the waters. The coming weeks could reveal whether this rising star stays in Portugal or takes the next step in his career.

Robert Lewandowski and his talk about the media!

Robert Lewandowski knows a thing or two about scoring goals—so when the legendary striker speaks about the scarcity of elite forwards, the football world should listen.

"It’s rare to see a player maintain a 40-goal-a-season pace for more than a couple of years," the Barcelona veteran admitted, reflecting on the declining numbers across Europe’s top leagues. "The standard has dipped. True, consistent No. 9s are becoming extinct."

When asked whether modern stars like Manchester City’s Erling Haaland or Sporting’s Viktor Gyökeres—linked heavily with Arsenal—could fill the void, the 36-year-old chose his words carefully.

"Talent alone isn’t enough," he explained. "A striker must be the perfect fit—for the coach’s system, the club’s vision, even the financial puzzle. Today, even top teams struggle to check all those boxes."

His words carried extra weight given Barcelona’s own search for attacking reinforcements. "The market isn’t overflowing with solutions," Lewandowski added. "You need more than just a goalscorer—you need a player who transforms the team."

A sobering assessment from a man who’s redefined the art of goalscoring—and proof that in modern football, the complete striker remains the rarest of breeds.

Hazem Mlhem |

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Hazem Mlhem est un rédacteur sportif expérimenté, animé par une passion pour le football africain.