Despite scoring 18 goals, Gyokeres not included in Arteta's primary target list
Arsenal’s £55 million signing Viktor Gyökeres is facing scrutiny over his consistency despite scoring 18 goals across all competitions since joining the club in 2025. While he remains the team's top Premier League scorer with 12 goals, manager Mikel Arteta has occasionally benched him in favor of using Kai Havertz as a "false nine" to improve tactical fluidity. Former striker Paul Dickov noted that the Gunners still lack a truly clinical finisher of Erling Haaland's caliber, which could hinder their pursuit of the league title. Consequently, the Swedish international remains under pressure to prove he can be the reliable leader Arsenal needs to secure major silverware.
London's Arsenal signed Swedish national team striker Viktor Gyokeres for £55 million in 2025. The team, led by Mikel Arteta, aimed to resolve their attacking issues through this transfer. Gyokeres was recognized as one of Europe's most prolific forwards after scoring 97 goals in 102 matches for Portugal's Sporting CP. Goal.com reports on the matter.
However, the 27-year-old player has struggled to maintain the expected level of consistency following his English Premier League debut. Although he has scored 18 goals across all competitions, he has only found the back of the net 12 times in the league. Consequently, the coaching staff has occasionally been forced to deploy Kai Havertz in a "false nine" position.
According to former club striker Paul Dickov, Arsenal has yet to find the final piece for the title race. He emphasized that the team needs a leader capable of scoring in any situation, similar to Manchester City star Erling Haaland. While Dickov considers Havertz and Gyokeres talented, he noted a lack of the clinical edge necessary to decide the outcome of matches.
Currently, Gyokeres remains the only Arsenal player to have scored more than ten goals in the Premier League. Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze have six goals each to their names. If the Swedish striker fails to answer critics with his performance, the London club's chances in the title race may be called into question.
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