Mikel Arteta appears to have put an end to speculation surrounding Viktor Gyokeres’ future by confirming the Swedish striker will remain at Arsenal this season.
The 28-year-old only arrived from Sporting CP last summer, but recent reports had suggested he could be included in a potential swap deal involving Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez.
However, speaking to journalist Victor Llebaria Escutia, Arteta dismissed any uncertainty over Gyokeres’ future.
Arteta ends speculation
When asked about Alvarez, Arteta refused to comment on a player contracted to another club.
“I’m not going to talk about a footballer who isn’t ours.”
The Arsenal boss was then pressed on Gyokeres’ future and gave a straightforward response.
“Yes, he’s going to stay.”
Those comments appear to bring an end to recent speculation linking the Swedish international with a move away from the Emirates.
A stronger finish to his first season
Gyokeres endured a difficult start following his move from Sporting CP, but his form improved significantly as the campaign progressed.
The striker finished the season with 21 goals in all competitions, establishing himself as an important attacking option for Arteta during the second half of the campaign.
Gyokeres’ first campaign in north London was something of a tale of two halves. After arriving from Sporting CP last summer, the Swedish international initially found it difficult to build chemistry with his new teammates and adapt to Arteta’s system. However, as the season progressed, his confidence and performances steadily improved. His physical presence caused problems for opposition defenders, while his goalscoring return of 21 in all competitions demonstrated why Arsenal remained patient with their summer signing.
With Arsenal preparing to defend their Premier League title, Arteta’s comments suggest Gyokeres remains firmly part of his plans heading into the new season. After ending last season on a high, the striker will now be hoping to carry that momentum into the new campaign and further establish himself as a key member of Arteta’s attacking options. Supporters will undoubtedly be pleased to hear the manager publicly backing the striker after weeks of transfer speculation.
Are you pleased to hear Arteta confirm Viktor Gyokeres is staying? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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He had won whatever league he played in the last 3 seasons. Not too bad for someone who many in our fan base tag a “donkey”
Absolute rubbish rumours at this time of year
Apparently we are buying everyone under the sun !
Lets wait until we read it in arsenal.com or BBC / sky…reputable sources for transfer deals
Tzolls settled in well …
Martinelli and Gabriel back soon along with Ode
White already back and Timber on the way back
English players back in a couple of weeks
Lets see once season starts and all teams have played 2 matches and everyone will yhen do the last minute dance as always
I think we are in a good position if we can get a CB cover in for Saliba . Similar to Norgaars.
I don’t get why anybody thinks that Arsenal would want to sell him. 21 goals in his first season counts as “Hit the ground running” for me, albeit after a frustrating period of adaptation during the first half. Alvarez (If it gets done) and Gyokeres as out-an-out strikers with Havertz as a false-9 option sounds like a good way to start the new season upfront.
Did anyone seriously believe we would sell Gyokeres after 1 season. Just another made up story among hundreds lately.
It would have been ‘Head Testing Time’ if Gyokeres had been swapped out this season.
Now I need to hear that the MLS rumors are rubbish, he
is going to raise his level this season!!