Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres is experiencing a perplexing paradox: his market value has skyrocketed to an estimated £81.9 million even as he endures a significant goal drought for the Gunners.
A Struggle for Form in North London
The Swedish international's difficult spell continued on Thursday, as Arsenal played out a 0-0 draw with Liverpool. Gyokeres managed a mere eight touches before being substituted after just 60 minutes, extending his run without a goal to six consecutive matches.
Since his high-profile £60 million-plus move from Sporting CP last summer, Gyokeres has found the net seven times in 24 appearances. However, his last goal from open play dates back to early November in a victory over Burnley, with only a penalty against Everton punctuating the dry spell since.
This loss of form has seen him lose his starting place to Gabriel Jesus, while the returning Kai Havertz and the option of Mikel Merino further threaten his minutes. The striker, who was signed to be the final piece in Mikel Arteta's title puzzle, has yet to deliver consistently.
Arteta's Unwavering Faith in His Number Nine
Despite the glaring lack of goals, manager Mikel Arteta has publicly reiterated his confidence in the 27-year-old forward. He acknowledges the immense pressure that comes with the Arsenal number nine shirt but insists Gyokeres is responding correctly.
"He knew that and it was part of the plan," Arteta stated. "I see him training every day... how much he wants to do well. The way he is working every single match, it will click. One thing is missing at the moment, scoring more goals, but he is doing other things right."
The Surprising Financial Silver Lining
In a remarkable twist, data from the CIES Football Observatory reveals Gyokeres' market value has actually increased since his arrival. He is now valued at approximately €94 million (£81.9 million), a significant rise on the fee Arsenal paid.
This valuation is attributed to several factors:
- His prolific form in the first half of 2025 with Sporting CP.
- A decent initial two-month period in England.
- The security of the five-year contract he signed upon joining Arsenal.
This presents a curious financial boost for the club. While the primary objective remains for Gyokeres to rediscover his scoring touch and fire Arsenal to Premier League glory, the Gunners find themselves in a strong position should they ever consider a future sale.
The situation encapsulates the modern football dilemma: performance on the pitch versus financial value off it. For now, Arteta and Arsenal will be hoping the two align swiftly, with goals from their striker becoming as frequent as the positive news from his valuation reports.
