Mikel Arteta has warned Arsenal's title rivals that Viktor Gyokeres will be a different player in the second half of the season. The 27-year-old Sweden international has struggled since his £64m summer move from Sporting Lisbon, scoring just four Premier League goals, all against teams near the bottom of the table.
Gyokeres was substituted in the 81st minute of Saturday's 2-1 win over Wolves having managed only one shot, but Arteta believes the former Coventry City striker is ready to improve. The Arsenal boss pointed to a lack of pre-season and an injury as reasons for his slow start, while insisting he has seen positive signs in recent matches.
Speaking ahead of Wednesday's trip to Everton, Arteta said: "Everybody was so excited to bring him into the club. We did it. We brought a player with an incredible scoring record who had to adapt to the league. He had no pre-season." He added that Gyokeres had a good period before getting injured, and that "now he's back".
When asked if fans will see Gyokeres go up another level in 2026, the Gunners boss replied: "I think so, yes." Arteta also called for better service from the team, noting that Arsenal struggled to pick out a red shirt in the box during the Wolves match, despite creating a big chance for Gabriel Martinelli.
Arsenal's victory over Wolves was secured thanks to two own goals, and Arteta acknowledged the team's difficulty in converting chances. He stressed the need for continued work to understand Gyokeres better in certain situations, adding: "That's about time. We have full support for him."
