Viktor Gyokeres' goalless run for Arsenal extended to six matches after Thursday's 0-0 draw with Liverpool, during which the forward managed only eight touches before being substituted with 30 minutes remaining.
Since his summer move from Sporting CP for over £60m, the Sweden international has scored seven goals in 24 appearances, with his last open-play strike coming in early November's 2-0 win over Burnley. The £64m signing has struggled to make an impact, leading to speculation about his place in Mikel Arteta's side.
Arteta, however, has defended the striker, saying: 'There is an expectation when you pull the shirt on. He knew that and it was part of the plan. I see him training every day and how much he wants to do well. It will click.'
Despite his difficulties, Gyokeres' market value has risen to an estimated €94m (£81.9m) according to the CIES Football Observatory, partly due to his strong early season form and the five-year contract he signed at the Emirates. Kai Havertz's recovery and Mikel Merino's emergence as a centre-forward option may limit Gyokeres' playing time in the coming weeks.
