Gyokeres refuses to rule out Arsenal exit as Arteta benches him in Premier League

Viktor Gyokeres has declined to close the door on leaving Arsenal, telling Swedish media he expects more playing time than Mikel Arteta has given him in the Premier League this season.

The 28-year-old forward, speaking while on international duty with Sweden, confirmed there had been genuine interest in his departure over the summer — with Atletico Madrid understood to have been among the interested parties — but insisted he remained committed to the Gunners when the window closed.

“Of course, there was a lot of speculation,” Gyokeres said. “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.”

His contentment has limits, however. Arteta has consistently preferred Kai Havertz as his central striker this term, with Gyokeres yet to make a Premier League start. The Swede was direct about his frustration.

“It’s clear that I want to play football as much as possible,” he said. “Hopefully that will come, too. You always want to be on the field as a football player. Of course, you expect more playing time, but we have an extremely good squad with a lot of good players and have been doing well here at the start.”

Gyokeres arrived at Arsenal last summer carrying enormous expectation after scoring 97 goals in 102 games at Sporting CP, where he fired the Lisbon club to back-to-back Primeira Liga titles. He delivered 21 goals in all competitions in his debut season as Arsenal claimed the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years, making 36 appearances in the league.

Despite that return, questions have persisted over his fit in Arteta’s system. The Swede’s aerial ability and hold-up play have been judged to fall short of Havertz’s standard, with Mikel Merino also capable of filling in as an auxiliary centre-forward.

Arsenal’s attacking options were thinned considerably over the summer. Gabriel Martinelli was sold — reportedly commanding a higher fee than Gyokeres would have — while Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard, and Ethan Nwaneri, the latter on loan to Borussia Dortmund, also departed. That exodus leaves Arteta with limited cover if Gyokeres were to push for a move in January.

Transfermarkt currently values the Sweden international at €65 million. Arsenal return to Premier League action against Leeds when the international break concludes.