Gyokeres Declares Desire to Stay at Arsenal
Viktor Gyokeres has publicly reaffirmed his commitment to Arsenal, stating he wants to remain at the club despite finding himself on the fringes of Mikel Arteta's starting XI this season. The Swedish striker, who joined the Gunners in the summer of 2025, has started only one Premier League match in the current campaign and was named among the substitutes for last Saturday's 1-0 victory over Hull City, even after scoring and assisting in a midweek Champions League clash against Slavia Prague.
When questioned about his future while on international duty with Sweden, Gyokeres told Fotbollskanalen and TV4: "I want to! It feels good when I've played. We've won most of the games. It was a tough loss in the cup [against Fleetwood Town]. Otherwise it's felt good for myself and the team. I've been doing well lately when I've been playing. Right now it feels good."
The 28-year-old also emphasized that his relationship with Arteta remains strong, saying: "The communication with [Mikel] Arteta is good. We talk about football and how we should play. Before a match, if I'm going to start, we talk about the opponents and what I should think about."
Contract Stability Amid Speculation
Gyokeres still has over three-and-a-half years remaining on his current Arsenal contract, providing the club with a strong negotiating position. However, reports have suggested that Arsenal could consider selling the striker in the January transfer window if they can secure a replacement, with Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez reportedly still on their radar after a failed summer bid.
A Season of Limited Opportunities
Gyokeres' situation at Arsenal has been a stark contrast to his debut campaign, when he played a prominent role under Arteta. This season, the return to fitness of Kai Havertz has pushed the Swede down the pecking order. Havertz, who recovered swiftly from a hamstring injury sustained on international duty with Germany, has been Arteta's first choice in attack, restricting Gyokeres to largely substitute appearances and starts in cup competitions.
Despite the lack of Premier League starts, Gyokeres has remained productive when called upon. He has scored 10 goals across 11 appearances for Sweden under manager Graham Potter, netting in all four of Sweden's UEFA Nations League fixtures during the most recent international break. At club level, he opened his account for the season with an equalizer in the Carabao Cup fourth-round exit at Fleetwood Town.
Pundits Question Arteta's Trust
The striker's limited role has drawn commentary from television pundits. CBS Sports analyst Troy Deeney suggested Gyokeres should be "offended" that Arteta selected him to start the Carabao Cup tie at Fleetwood amid heavy squad rotation. Deeney added: "The problem he's had, in all seriousness, is a difficult summer; every time they were linked with Julian Alvarez or any other player, he was part of the deal to go." Fellow pundit Nigel Reo-Coker implied that Arteta lacks confidence in the Swede to feature in "big matches."
Gyokeres Blocks Out the Noise
Rather than engaging with external criticism, Gyokeres has chosen to focus on his performances. He admitted that critics occasionally get to him but insisted he remains largely unaffected. "Sometimes it might get to me, but overall not so much. If I score goals and assists in the Champions League, I couldn't care less what they say," he said.
His stance mirrors that of teammate Martin Zubimendi, who recently pledged his commitment to the club amid his own transfer speculation. Both players appear intent on fighting for their places rather than seeking exits.
Sweden Form Offers Encouragement
Gyokeres' international form has been a bright spot. Under Potter, he has been prolific, and his goals have helped Sweden maintain a strong position in their Nations League campaign. That form could serve as a springboard for more opportunities at Arsenal, especially if Havertz's injury history recurs or if Arteta opts to rotate more heavily during the congested winter schedule.
What This Means for Arsenal's Transfer Plans
Gyokeres' public commitment does not guarantee he will remain at the Emirates beyond January. Arsenal's reported interest in signing another striker—with Alvarez, Club Brugge's Nicolo Tresoldi, and Monza's Gustavo Varela among the names linked—suggests the club is actively exploring upgrades. The Gunners are also said to prioritise a left winger next year after failing to replace Gabriel Martinelli over the summer.
However, selling Gyokeres mid-season would leave Arsenal short of striking options, particularly with the club competing on multiple fronts. His contract length means Arsenal can demand a significant fee, but the 28-year-old's desire to stay may force the club to consider whether keeping him as a squad player is more valuable than cashing in.
For now, Gyokeres appears content to bide his time, work hard in training, and take his chances when they come. His professionalism and public backing of Arteta have kept the situation calm, but the coming months will test whether his patience—and the club's faith—can hold.
As the January window approaches, Gyokeres' future will remain a topic of speculation. His latest comments, however, suggest that any exit would not be at his request.
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