Viktor Gyokeres is now a bench warmer at Arsenal, but Troy Deeney believes it could have been worse, as the striker could have been sold during the transfer window.
The Swede is in his second season at Arsenal, and this was expected to be the campaign in which he would explode onto the scene, having missed much of last season’s preparation while his transfer was being negotiated. However, so far, he has not been playing regularly, with Kai Havertz being selected ahead of him.
Gyokeres now needs to keep working hard and wait for his opportunities. His current situation is not what many expected when he joined the Gunners, particularly after the anticipation surrounding his arrival.
Gyokeres remains at Arsenal
During the last transfer window, Gyokeres was linked with moves to Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. Some reports even suggested Arsenal were willing to include him in their offer for Julian Alvarez.
However, the Swede remained at the Emirates and will now have to fight for regular playing time. While his position in the squad has become uncertain, Deeney believes Gyokeres should consider himself fortunate that he is still an Arsenal player.
The former striker feels there could have been a different outcome for Gyokeres, particularly given the transfer speculation surrounding him during the window.
Deeney backs Gyokeres to stay
Deeney believes Gyokeres can still have an important role to play for Arsenal, especially in the Champions League, despite his current position behind Havertz.
He said on TalkSport:
“I think he knows he’s lucky to be there, personally.
“I think when you look at his career, look at his attributes, he’s probably going, ‘I’m at a team here, I’ve won the Premier League, this is unbelievable’.
“He will be used in the Champions League, but also there’s a business element to this where sometimes, things just get swept under the rug now.”
Gyokeres will now have to remain patient and continue working hard for his opportunity. Arsenal still have plenty of matches to play, giving the Swede opportunities to prove his value.
For now, Havertz remains ahead of him in the pecking order, but Gyokeres can still play an important role for the Gunners if he takes his chances when they arrive.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
ADMIN COMMENT
So here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….
You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.
CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us through this link…
Shut up Troy Weeny
A benchwarmer?🤣 next there will be posters on here calling him deadwood, oh for goodness sake🤷♂️
I thought the deadwood was Madueke, Zubimendi and Eze – if he doesn’t pull his socks up pdq
I’m sorry – why is Zubimendi deadwood?
I thought he had a good season – albeit he flagged toward the end but that has something to do with playing 60+ games last season and Norgaard (actual deadwood) not trusted to cover the position.
Leon
I obviously didn’t make myself clear. I was being tongue in cheek. I’ve no problem at all with all 3 (perhaps Eze a bit who I thought would be better). It usually takes a bit more than one season for me to roll my eyes
Zubi is a dead wood period
Arteta has won us 1 Epl but the way he treats some of our players makes me think that he has caused us some titles as well. From Ozil, Auba and now Martinelli and Gyokeres. Who will pay over the odds for players whom their club no longer values them? Very poor management
Arteta came to meet those players.
How many titles had they won for the Arsenal before MA began with his supposedly “very poor management”?
Can you give MA a break?
Was the selling of Enzo, Cuccurela and Jackson by Chelsea as a result of the very poor management of Alonso? Or the sale of Rodri and Silva a very poor management by Maresca. Maybe Louis Enrique is a very poor manager for selling Barcola.