Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is reportedly considering giving Viktor Gyökeres a more prominent role in the team’s attack as the Swedish striker continues to fight for regular playing time at the Emirates Stadium. The forward has faced competition for the starting position, but his determination and ability to trouble opposition defenders could make him an important figure in Arsenal’s plans for the remainder of the season.
Gyökeres arrived at Arsenal with considerable expectations after establishing himself as a prolific goalscorer at Sporting CP. His physical strength, explosive movement, and ability to finish chances made him an exciting addition to Arteta’s squad. However, adapting to Arsenal’s style of play has not been straightforward, and the competition for places has created questions about his position in the starting lineup.
Arteta has publicly backed the Swedish international despite his difficult start to the current campaign. Although there has been no verified announcement that Gyökeres will permanently become Arsenal’s first-choice striker, the manager’s support suggests that the forward remains an important part of the club’s plans.
Arteta Continues to Show Faith in Gyökeres
Mikel Arteta understands that strikers can experience difficult periods, particularly when adjusting to a new team, tactical system, and level of competition.
Gyökeres has faced scrutiny because of his limited opportunities and struggles to find the net this season. Nevertheless, Arteta has continued to defend the striker’s work rate and determination.
Ahead of Arsenal’s recent fixtures, the manager praised Gyökeres for his willingness to improve and help the team, emphasising that he remains an option for selection regardless of whether he scores.
Arteta has also made it clear that he values both Gyökeres and Kai Havertz as attacking options. Their qualities differ, giving Arsenal the flexibility to approach matches in different ways.
Havertz can contribute through his movement, link-up play, and ability to connect midfield with attack. Gyökeres, meanwhile, offers physical power, direct running, and a more traditional centre-forward presence.
The manager must decide which profile best suits each opponent, but Gyökeres will be eager to demonstrate that he can lead the attack regularly.
Why Gyökeres Could Become Arsenal’s Main Striker
One of Gyökeres’ biggest strengths is his ability to stretch opposition defences. His powerful runs can force centre-backs to retreat, creating additional space for Arsenal’s attacking midfielders and wingers.
When Arsenal face teams defending deep, having a striker who can attack the space between defenders may prove particularly useful. Gyökeres can attempt to exploit gaps, make runs behind the defensive line, and give teammates a clear target inside the penalty area.
His physicality also offers an advantage when Arsenal need to play more directly. Instead of relying exclusively on short passing combinations, the Gunners can use longer passes to find their centre-forward and bring other attackers into play.
Another important quality is his willingness to press opponents. Arteta expects his forwards to contribute defensively by closing down defenders, forcing hurried passes, and helping the team regain possession high up the pitch.
Gyökeres’ energy and determination can therefore benefit Arsenal even when he is not scoring.
If he can combine these qualities with greater efficiency in front of goal, he could strengthen his argument for becoming the team’s regular starting striker.
Competition With Kai Havertz
The competition between Gyökeres and Havertz remains one of Arsenal’s most interesting selection decisions.
Both players offer different qualities, and Arteta must balance goalscoring, movement, creativity, and the overall effectiveness of the attacking unit.
Havertz has demonstrated that he can contribute to Arsenal’s build-up play by dropping into midfield spaces and connecting with teammates. His movement can help create opportunities for players such as Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and Eberechi Eze.
Gyökeres brings a different threat. His direct running and physical presence can make life difficult for defenders, especially when Arsenal create opportunities to attack quickly.
Rather than choosing one player permanently for every situation, Arteta may continue to rotate his options according to the opponent and the demands of individual matches.
However, regular starts would give Gyökeres more time to develop an understanding with Arsenal’s creative players.
For a striker, confidence and rhythm are important. Playing consistently can help a forward anticipate teammates’ movements, understand when passes will arrive, and become more comfortable with the team’s attacking patterns.
Gyökeres will hope that an extended run in the starting lineup allows him to demonstrate his full potential.
Arsenal’s Creative Players Could Help Unlock Him
Arsenal possess several players capable of supplying the passes a centre-forward needs to succeed.
Bukayo Saka can create chances from the right wing through his dribbling, crossing, and ability to cut inside. Ødegaard can provide incisive passes between defenders, while Eberechi Eze offers creativity and the ability to carry the ball into dangerous areas.
Declan Rice can also contribute by progressing possession and delivering passes into attacking positions.
For Gyökeres, the challenge is to develop strong connections with these teammates and consistently arrive in the right positions.
Strikers depend on service, but they must also make themselves available. Well-timed runs, intelligent movement, and quick decisions inside the penalty area can turn promising attacks into goals.
Arteta will expect Gyökeres to improve his understanding with the players around him while continuing to work on his finishing.
If the team creates more clear-cut opportunities for him, the Swedish striker will have a chance to improve his numbers and build confidence.
Arsenal Supporters Want Consistent Goals
Arsenal supporters have waited for a centre-forward who can provide reliable goalscoring throughout a demanding campaign.
Gyökeres arrived with a strong reputation after scoring regularly in Portugal, and expectations were naturally high. His previous record demonstrated his ability to lead an attack, but reproducing that form in the Premier League requires adaptation and consistency.
The striker was Arsenal’s leading scorer during the 2025–26 campaign, finishing with 21 goals in 55 appearances across competitions. That record demonstrates that he has already made a meaningful contribution to the team.
However, his lack of goals in the early stages of the current season has increased the pressure on him to respond.
A strong performance could change the discussion surrounding his future and place in the starting lineup. Goals would be particularly valuable, but his overall contribution will also matter.
Arsenal need a striker who can occupy defenders, create space for teammates, press effectively, and convert opportunities when they arrive.
Gyökeres has the physical and technical attributes to perform these tasks. The next step is to deliver them consistently.
Arteta Must Manage the Situation Carefully
The Arsenal manager faces a delicate decision when choosing his preferred centre-forward.
Giving Gyökeres more opportunities could help him regain confidence and establish himself, but Arteta must also consider the team’s results and the performances of other attacking players.
Arsenal are competing across multiple competitions, meaning squad rotation may be necessary. Injuries, fatigue, tactical requirements, and the quality of upcoming opponents can all influence selection.
The manager will also want to maintain healthy competition within the squad. Every forward must understand that starting places are earned through training performances, tactical discipline, and contributions during matches.
For Gyökeres, the opportunity to start more regularly would represent a chance to prove that he can become the reliable goalscorer Arsenal need.
He must respond by working hard, making intelligent runs, and taking his chances when they appear.
Conclusion
Viktor Gyökeres remains an important attacking option for Arsenal, and Mikel Arteta’s public support indicates that the Swedish striker has not been abandoned despite his difficult start to the season.
His physical strength, direct running, pressing ability, and previous goalscoring record provide reasons for optimism. With improved service and regular opportunities, he could become increasingly influential in Arsenal’s attack.
However, claims that Arteta has definitively appointed Gyökeres as his permanent first-choice striker have not been confirmed. The manager continues to have several options, including Kai Havertz, and the competition for the centre-forward position remains significant.
For Gyökeres, the objective is clear: take advantage of every opportunity, improve his finishing, and demonstrate that he can consistently deliver goals at the highest level.
If he succeeds, he will have a strong chance of earning more starts and becoming one of the most important players in Arsenal’s pursuit of success this season.
