Viktor Gyokeres makes feelings clear on Arsenal exit speculation | Football

Viktor Gyokeres says he is ‘extremely happy’ at Arsenal, despite falling down the pecking order and wanting more game time.

The Swedish striker was first choice up front when he arrived from Sporting in the summer of 2025, but the jury is still out on him for many Arsenal fans.

The 28-year-old scored 21 goals in all competitions over his first campaign, but did not always convince and manager Mikel Arteta clearly had doubts as he was on the bench for the Champions League final in May.

Gyokeres has made just two Premier League appearances this season so far and both were as a substitute, with Kai Havertz firmly in the starting XI ahead of him.

The former Coventry City forward has not scored for his club yet this season, with his last Gunners goal coming in an FA Cup defeat to Southampton in April.

There was talk of an exit over the summer and there remains speculation that the Swede will depart in 2027, but he has made it clear that he wants to stay with the Premier League champions.

‘Of course, there was a lot of speculation,’ Gyokeres said on Sweden duty during the current international break. ‘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.’

On his reduced game time this season, he said: ‘It’s clear that I want to play football as much as possible. 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 took his international tally to 23 goals on Monday, scoring against Poland after scoring in a win over Romania last week.

His form for Sweden will be a boost to his confidence, but has admitted he needs to do better in an Arsenal shirt, having had positive conversations with Arteta.

‘I obviously need to do better and I’m willing to do it, so it’s no problem,’ he said.

‘It’s good (the dialogue with the coach). I just try to do well when I get the chance and score goals.’

The Swedes are back in action on Friday against Bosnia & Herzegovina and then on Monday when they face Romania again.

Arsenal return from this epic international break against Leeds at the Emirates on October 10.

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