Viktor Gyokeres has declared he is 'extremely happy' at Arsenal, even though he has fallen down the pecking order and wants more game time. The Swedish striker, who arrived from Sporting in the summer of 2025, has made just two Premier League appearances this season, both as a substitute, with Kai Havertz firmly established as the starting striker.
Limited role this season
The 28-year-old scored 21 goals in all competitions during his first campaign at the Emirates, but did not always convince, and manager Mikel Arteta left him on the bench for the Champions League final in May. Gyokeres 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 speculation persists that the Swede will depart in 2027, but he has made it clear he wants to stay with the Premier League champions.
'Staying was a given'
'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.'
International form and confidence
Gyokeres took his international tally to 23 goals on Monday, scoring against Poland after netting in a win over Romania last week. His form for Sweden will boost his confidence, but he 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.'
Sweden face Bosnia & Herzegovina on Friday and then Romania again on Monday. Arsenal return to action against Leeds at the Emirates on October 10.
