Paul Scholes has gone into depth into what he believes are the honest views Arsenal players hold on one star within their ranks in north London
Declan Rice of Arsenal talks with teammate, Viktor Gyoekeres, during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Emirates Stadium on December 13, 2025 in London, England
Arsenal's displays have taken a dip in recent weeks(Image: 2025 The Arsenal Football Club Plc)
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Paul Scholes believes Arsenal players enjoy playing with Viktor Gyokeres, but not for his goal-scoring instincts. The Swede's start to life in north London, ever since his £64million move from Sporting Lisbon, has been mixed.
In the Premier League, he has only managed to find the net against Leeds United, Nottingham Forest - when they were managed by Ange Postecoglou - and relegation battlers Burnley. His record of four goals from 14 Premier League appearances is not terrible, but it's a far cry from the 54 goals and 13 assists he grabbed in his final season with Sporting.
Mikel Arteta's side chased his signature for weeks in the summer transfer window. However, Scholes believes the Arsenal players value Gyokeres' work rate despite predicting that he'll never be that prolific.
Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, Scholes said: "Do you know what I think about Gyokeres? I don’t think he’s ever going to be an unbelievable goalscorer.
"But I think the rest of the team will like playing with him. He’s a focal point and works his b****** off.”
Nicky Butt then replied: “It might not be Gyokeres' fault this, it might be the other players not knowing where he is. It’s tough for a player to go into a team that isn’t used to playing with a centre forward.
"But he’s a focal point to get them up the pitch. It had to be perfect for Arsenal to get into the final third last season.
Viktor Gyokeres of Arsenal reacts as the ball goes wide during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Emirates Stadium on December 13, 2025 in London, England
It has been a frustrating period for Gyokeres(Image: 2025 Marc Atkins)
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"It had to be intricate to get up the pitch and they did it well to be fair. But with him he holds the ball up well and they get up the pitch.”
Butt then suggested Arteta may not have had a say in regards to Gyokeres' arrival, claiming the club as a whole were desperate to sign a striker. The former midfielder said: "It’s the pressure.
"The pressure to buy a centre forward. The pressure to buy a striker at a club who keep nearly winning the title is massive."
Viktor Gyoekeres of Arsenal is challenged by Emmanuel Agbadou of Wolverhampton Wanderers during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Emirates Stadium on December 13, 2025 in London, England.
Scholes believes the Arsenal stars still appreciate his efforts(Image: 2025 The Arsenal Football Club Plc)
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Arteta recently came to the defence of Gyokeres, claiming his players were not providing good enough service to him. After the narrow victory against Wolves, a game in which the Swede struggled, Arteta said: "He was in a lot of really good positions.
"The ball didn't get into the area quick enough, sharp enough or just with the precision that is required for a No.9 to score the goal."
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