Viktor Gyokeres admits Arsenal exit possible if playing time doesn’t improve

Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres has publicly acknowledged the possibility of leaving the club amid ongoing speculation about his future. Despite a productive debut season where he featured 36 times in the Premier League and contributed 21 goals across all competitions, Gyokeres has yet to start a league match this term, with Mikel Arteta opting to deploy Kai Havertz as the preferred forward.

Gyokeres, 28, who joined Arsenal last summer after an impressive spell at Sporting Lisbon—where he scored 97 goals in 102 appearances and helped secure consecutive league titles—has struggled to adapt to Arteta's tactical demands. The Swedish forward’s aerial presence and hold-up play have not matched up to those of Havertz or Mikel Merino, limiting his opportunities in the starting lineup.

Addressing the swirling transfer rumours while on international duty with Sweden, Gyokeres stated, “Of course, there was a lot of speculation. 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.” However, the striker was candid about his desire for more minutes on the pitch. “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.”

Reports had linked Gyokeres with a move to Atletico Madrid during the summer transfer window, but Arsenal ultimately chose to sell Gabriel Martinelli instead, attracted by a higher transfer fee. The Gunners also saw the departures of Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard, while young talent Ethan Nwaneri was loaned out to Borussia Dortmund, leaving the squad’s attacking options somewhat stretched.

Transfermarkt currently values Gyokeres at €65 million, underscoring his market potential despite limited game time this season. Arsenal are set to face Leeds United when Premier League action resumes following the international break, a fixture that could prove pivotal for Gyokeres in his quest for more regular involvement.