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Arsenal forward Viktor Gyökeres has stated he never entertained the idea of departing the club over the summer, though he acknowledged he had anticipated more playing time during the early part of the season.
The Gunners secured a deal worth approximately $86 million (£63 million) to bring Gyökeres in from Sporting CP in 2025, but despite scoring 21 goals across all competitions in his first season, the Swedish striker found himself locked in a battle for starts with Kai Havertz — a battle he has been losing so far this campaign, having accumulated just 29 Premier League minutes.
Speculation was rife that Gyökeres might depart Arsenal during the most recent summer window, but the striker himself made clear that a move away was never a genuine possibility.
"There was certainly a lot of talk," he acknowledged. "But I had a full preseason and it went well. My focus was entirely on Arsenal. For me, staying was never in question. I'm incredibly happy here at the club."
Whether that contentment will endure, however, remains to be seen.
Record-Breaking Gyökeres Chasing More Club Opportunities
Gyökeres's strike in Friday's 1–1 stalemate against Bosnia and Herzegovina means the forward has now found the net in all three of Sweden's matches during this international break, though the broader picture is even more remarkable.
He has become the first player to score in six successive UEFA Nations League appearances, having netted (and provided assists) against both Estonia and Slovakia before bagging four goals against Azerbaijan toward the close of 2024.
While his international form has been outstanding, Gyökeres continues to be starved of minutes at Arsenal. Cup competitions have offered him some opportunities, but it is Havertz who has remained the first-choice starter in the Premier League.
"It's no secret that I want to play — and as much as I can," Gyökeres admitted earlier during this international break.
Playing time could be on the horizon when the Premier League resumes next weekend, as an injury forced Havertz to withdraw from Germany's international squad last week, potentially handing Gyökeres the chance to prove his worth to manager Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal face Leeds United on Oct. 10 before welcoming Lille to the Emirates in the Champions League three days later. Should Gyökeres carry his Sweden form back to club level, he will present Arteta with a pleasant selection dilemma once Havertz returns from injury.
Gyökeres may not be the sole adjustment to Arsenal's attacking options this weekend, with winger Christos Tzolis also picking up an injury while on duty with Greece.