Arsenal‘s Viktor Gyökeres responds to the summer exit links and talks about his future after scoring for Sweden in their 2-1 win over Romania on Friday.
The Premier League winners wanted to strengthen their further strengthen their attack in the summer window.
Arsenal had looked at Atlético Madrid’s Julián Alvarez, who only wanted to join Barcelona.
Towards the end of the window, Mikel Arteta and director Andrea Berta reportedly tried to convince the Argentine. The Gunners wanted to offer Gyökeres as part of the deal for the former Manchester City man.
Alvarez stayed at Atlético while Christos Tzolis was the Emirates club’s only attacking signing. They have also sold Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli to Barcelona and Al-Hilal respectively.
Arsenal player on summer speculation
Viktor Gyökeres scored in Sweden’s latest UEFA Nations League win and after the match, he spoke to SVT Sport.
When asked about the summer exit links: “Of course, there was a lot of speculation. But I had a full pre-season, and it felt good. I was fully focused on Arsenal.”
The Sweden international has a contract until 2030 and is only focusing on Mikel Arteta’s side.
“For me, staying was a given. I’m extremely happy at the club,” Gyökeres explained.
| Statistic | 2023/24: Sporting CP | 2024/25: Sporting CP | 2025/26: Arsenal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 50 | 52 | 55 |
| Minutes played | 4,168 | 4,246 | 3,480 |
| Goals | 43 | 54 | 21 |
| Assists | 14 | 12 | 3 |
| Goals + assists | 57 | 66 | 24 |
| Minutes per goal | 97 | 79 | 166 |
| Goal contributions per 90 | 1.23 | 1.40 | 0.62 |
Unhappy with limited role at Arsenal
Last summer, the north London club signed the Sweden international from Sporting. He finished his debut season with 21 goals and three assists from 51 matches and won the title.
However, Mikel Arteta hasn’t utilised the 28-year-old regularly this season as he played 29 minutes in the Premier League. The coach has favoured Kai Havertz ahead of the Swede.
On his restricted role, he added: “Of course, it’s frustrating, no matter where you are. You always want to be on the pitch and make a contribution, score goals.
“It can be frustrating at times, but I just try to do my best when I get the chance and focus on what I can control.”
“It felt good last season; we won the league and did well in all the other competitions too. Of course, we could have won another title, but winning the Premier League after a 22-year wait is certainly something to be proud of.”
Arteta has favoured Kai Havertz as his No.9, ahead of the Swede, this season. The former Chelsea man has suffered a muscle injury in Germany’s 1-1 draw against the Netherlands on Thursday.
Havertz has withdrawn from the Germany squad. His absence can offer Viktor Gyökeres the opportunity to start regularly for Arsenal, especially after impressing for Sweden.
