Viktor Gyokeres says he is “extremely happy” at Arsenal and remains determined to earn more opportunities under manager Mikel Arteta, despite reports linking him with a move away from the club.
The Sweden international joined Arsenal last summer and played 55 times during his first season, scoring 21 goals. The Gunners won the Premier League and also reached the finals of the Champions League and the EFL Cup.
Gyokeres has found regular first-team football harder to secure at the beginning of the 2026-27 campaign. He has started only two of his five appearances in all competitions and has yet to record a direct goal contribution.
Kai Havertz had been Arteta’s preferred choice before suffering an injury while on international duty with Germany. Havertz scored three goals in seven matches for Arsenal this season.
Gyokeres was linked with a departure during the summer, with reports claiming Arsenal were prepared to include him in a swap deal for Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez.
The 28-year-old, however, says his priority is to remain at Arsenal and fight for more playing time rather than consider leaving.
“Of course, there was a lot of speculation,” said Gyokeres. “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.
“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.
“I obviously need to do better and I’m willing to do it, so it’s no problem. It’s good [the dialogue with the coach]. I just try to do well when I get the chance and score goals.”
Gyokeres is currently with Sweden and has scored twice in two Nations League appearances. He is expected to play against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Romania in the competition.
Arsenal’s next fixture after the international break is against Leeds United on October 10.