Viktor Gyökeres has endured a scoreless start to the 2025-2026 club season with Arsenal

Viktor Gyökeres has endured a scoreless start to the 2025-2026 club season with Arsenal, registering zero goals and zero assists across five appearances and 207 minutes of play. The 28-year-old forward, who arrived in London in the summer of 2025 for a reported transfer fee of approximately €70m following a 21-goal campaign across 55 matches in his first year, has found himself relegated to a substitute role behind Kai Havertz under manager Mikel Arteta.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic Defends Arsenal Forward Viktor Gyökeres

While his club form has drawn renewed scrutiny, international duty with the Sweden national team has provided an immediate outlet for the striker. Aligned as a starter in three matches under Graham Potter during the September and October international window, Gyökeres netted three goals, including a strike against Bosnia on Friday that made him the first player in history to score in six consecutive UEFA Nations League fixtures. Addressing the stark contrast between his club and international production, Zlatan Ibrahimovic defended his compatriot’s abilities.

Gyökeres is one of the best strikers in the world. It amuses me when people criticize him for not scoring enough at Arsenal. If he’s not scoring, the question should be whether he’s being given chances. He arrived at Arsenal last season, helped them win their first league title in 22 years, and scored over 20 goals. A striker can’t create everything on his own. Look at him with Sweden: we created chances for him, and he scored. For me, he’ll always be a world-class striker.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Viktor Gyökeres Focuses on Reversing Arsenal Situation

Despite speculation surrounding his playing time and no longer holding an undisputed starting berth with the Gunners, Gyökeres stated that he remains committed to securing his place in north London. Of course, there’s been a lot of speculation, but I completed the entire preseason and felt good. I was completely focused on Arsenal. For me, staying was the logical thing to do, and I’m very happy at the club., Gyökeres noted regarding his future. It’s clear I want to play football, and as much as possible. As a footballer, you always want to be on the pitch, but we have an excellent squad with many top-level players..

Mikel Arteta Awaits Striker Return Following Havertz Injury

Gyökeres returns to club training carrying increased confidence from his international exploits alongside an untimely injury to positional rival Kai Havertz. These goals arrive at an optimal moment for the forward to re-establish his standing with Mikel Arteta when domestic competition resumes.