The Swedish striker has struggled for game time this season. At first, he only got 15 minutes in the Community Shield – then he was on the bench against both Aston Villa and Coventry.
Last season, Viktor Gyökeres was a far more central piece in Arsenal’s attack. He started 26 Premier League games, scored 11 goals – none from the penalty spot – and was an important weapon for Mikel Arteta.
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Nevertheless, there were still questions about whether he could deliver consistently enough over time.
Now he has long since been overtaken by Kai Havertz. The German has started all three league games so far, scoring two goals and impressing in every single appearance – not least against his old club Chelsea, where he produced a brilliant feat that paved the way for Arsenal’s second goal.
Havertz is developing into a complete striker for Arteta. He is better at connecting the game, dragging teammates like Bukayo Saka, Christos Tzolis and Martin Ødegaard with him – and making them better.
An expensive backup plan
For Gyökeres, on the other hand, the situation is very difficult. He was brought in for a significant sum in the summer of 2025, and it was clear that Arteta wanted him – but as of now, he is no more than a backup plan.
When the Swede arrived at Arsenal, the expectation was to be the first candidate at the top. That has not been the case. Havertz suits Arsenal’s system far better – a type of player who can be lethal in transitions and behind the opponent’s defence, but who rarely gets to unfold against teams that lie low against Arsenal.
And that’s exactly how most people meet the Gunners.
The way forward?
It’s hard to see a way back for Gyökeres. For the sake of his career, he may have to consider a change of club as early as 2027 – if the situation persists.
But Arsenal may have trouble finding a buyer, considering the price they paid for him. For a player with limited playing time and an uncertain future, it is a challenge both sportingly and financially.
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