Viktor Gyokeres sends clear transfer message to Arsenal

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Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Viktor Gyokeres has endured a difficult start to the new season at Arsenal, but he has sent a very clear message to the Gunners hierarchy during the international break.

The Sweden striker played a pivotal role for Arsenal as they won their first Premier League title since 2004 last year, however he has lost his starting XI place to Kai Havertz this term in Mikel Arteta’s new-look attack.

Gyokeres has only made two substitute appearances in the Premier League so far this campaign and, as a result, he has been heavily linked with a possible exit in recent weeks, with Arsenal expected to rekindle their interest in Bournemouth attacker Eli Junior Kroupi next year.

AC Milan and Juventus are among the clubs believed to be monitoring Gyokeres’ current situation in north London, and Arsenal could potentially be open to a sale if they are able to bring in a new forward after missing out on Julian Alvarez this summer.

However, Gyokeres is set to be handed a starting role by Arteta over the coming weeks, due to a hamstring injury picked up by Havertz, and he has delivered a timely reminder of his ability during the international break.

The 28-year-old scored in all four of Sweden’s fixtures during the September/October international break and, in the process, he became the first player in history to find the back of the net in seven consecutive Nations League fixtures.

His opponents were Romania (twice), Poland, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, but Gyokeres is clearly in-form in front of goal, and Arsenal have received a very clear message that sanctioning a sale could be a mistake.

What has Viktor Gyokeres said?

Gyokeres was linked with a shock Arsenal exit before the end of Transfer Deadline Day and he was asked about the possibility of leaving the club while on international duty with his country.

“Of course, there was a lot of speculation,” Gyokeres admitted to Swedish news outlet SVT Sport in response (via The Evening Standard). “But I had a full pre-season, and it felt good. I was fully focused on Arsenal. For me, staying was a given. I’m extremely happy at the club.”

However, Gyokeres is yet to start a Premier League match so far this season and he has confirmed his dissatisfaction at his current role.

“Of course, it’s frustrating, no matter where you are,” he said. “You always want to be on the pitch and make a contribution, score goals. It can be frustrating at times, but I just try to do my best when I get the chance and focus on what I can control.”