Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres Under Fire: 'Not Trusted' Claims and Transfer Buzz Intensify
As Arsenal gears up for a pivotal Premier League showdown against Sunderland, the spotlight is firmly on striker Viktor Gyokeres. The Swedish forward, who joined the Gunners in a blockbuster £64 million deal from Sporting CP last summer, has been at the center of intense scrutiny. Despite contributing 11 goals across all competitions this season, questions about his integration into Mikel Arteta's squad are mounting. Arsenal legend Paul Merson has sparked debate by claiming that Gyokeres' teammates simply don't trust him with the ball.
Arsenal's Title Charge and Gyokeres' Role
Arsenal enters the weekend in pole position in the Premier League, looking to widen the gap over Manchester City ahead of the Citizens' tough trip to Anfield. The Gunners have shown resilience, rebounding from a 3-2 home defeat to Manchester United in late January with a convincing 4-0 victory over Leeds United and a midweek Carabao Cup semi-final triumph against Chelsea. This success has propelled them to the League Cup final against City and atop the Champions League league phase standings.
Yet, amid this surge, Gyokeres' form has been a mixed bag. His arrival was hailed as a major coup to bolster Arsenal's attacking options, but prolonged goal droughts in the league and lackluster overall performances have raised eyebrows. The 26-year-old often finds himself isolated during matches, enduring long spells without possession. This has led to whispers in the dressing room and beyond about his fit within Arteta's high-pressing system.
Paul Merson's Blunt Assessment
Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson didn't hold back. 'I watch Gyokeres, Arsenal don't trust him, the players. They never pass to him,' Merson stated. 'You watch him, next time he comes short they go, "No".' He highlighted how Gyokeres makes intelligent runs but is frequently overlooked under pressure, contrasting this with the service received by fellow striker Gabriel Jesus.
'If you watch it, you'd be surprised, then when [Gabriel] Jesus comes on, they keep on giving it to him all the time,' Merson added. 'That's what I see from when I watch the game, he comes short and they never give him it. He's low [on confidence] at the moment but I don't think they trust him at all.' Merson's comments underscore a deeper issue: Gyokeres' confidence appears shaken, potentially exacerbating his on-field struggles.
Gyokeres' statistics tell a partial story. While his 11 goals are respectable, his involvement in build-up play lags behind expectations for a player of his pedigree. At Sporting CP, he thrived in a more fluid setup, scoring prolifically in Portugal's Primeira Liga. Transitioning to the Premier League's intensity has proven challenging, with Arsenal's possession-based style demanding more from forwards in linking play.
Shock Transfer Bid Emerges Amid Uncertainty
Adding fuel to the fire, reports of a shock transfer bid have surfaced, though details remain murky. While no direct links to Gyokeres departing have been confirmed, the buzz around Arsenal's squad dynamics coincides with late-window maneuvers. The Gunners' inactivity in January—despite a hefty summer outlay—has left fans anxious, especially with injuries piling up.
In a related development, Arsenal's desperate bid for Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka was rebuffed. The 31-year-old German international, whose contract expires this season, turned down a mid-season move despite interest from clubs like AC Milan, Napoli, Juventus, and Atletico Madrid. German outlet BILD reported that Goretzka prefers to see out his Bayern tenure before deciding his next step.
This rejection came as Arsenal sought midfield reinforcement following Mikel Merino's long-term injury—a stress fracture in his foot sustained during the Manchester United loss. With Merino sidelined, Arteta's options in central midfield are stretched thin, potentially impacting service to forwards like Gyokeres.
Implications for Gyokeres' Future
The 'not trusted' narrative could have ripple effects on Gyokeres' long-term stay at the Emirates. Arteta has publicly backed the striker, emphasizing patience in his adaptation. However, if the trust issues persist, speculation about a return to Portugal or even a surprise Premier League switch might gain traction. Arsenal's board, aware of the £64 million investment, will be monitoring his progress closely ahead of the summer window.
Fans remain optimistic. Gyokeres' physicality and finishing ability make him a natural fit for Arsenal's ambitions. A strong performance against Sunderland could silence critics and rebuild that all-important team trust. As the Gunners chase a historic quadruple—Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup—Gyokeres' redemption arc could define their season.
Looking Ahead: Arsenal's Packed Schedule
With Aston Villa lurking in third and capable of overtaking City temporarily, Arsenal cannot afford slip-ups. Regis Le Bris' Sunderland side, fighting relegation, will pose a gritty challenge at home. Victory here would not only boost morale but also affirm Gyokeres' place in the starting XI.
Off the pitch, Arsenal's transfer strategy continues to evolve. While January was quiet, whispers of summer targets—including potential reinforcements in attack and midfield—suggest Arteta is planning meticulously. For Gyokeres, proving Merson wrong starts with consistent displays and earning the ball at his feet.
In the high-stakes world of Premier League football, trust is everything. Viktor Gyokeres knows this better than most. As Arsenal pushes for glory, all eyes will be on whether the Swedish star can turn doubters into believers.
