Viktor Gyokeres' struggles this season mean he is again in the spotlight as Mikel Arteta prepares table-topping Arsenal for the January transfer window
10:17, 31 Dec 2025
Mikel Arteta's Arsenal thrashed Aston Villa but Viktor Gyokeres failed to score again
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Mikel Arteta's Arsenal thrashed Aston Villa but Viktor Gyokeres failed to score again(Image: PA)
The January transfer window is nearly open, providing Arsenal with a chance to strengthen their title aspirations.
The Gunners are currently leading the Premier League table and coming off an exhilirating 4-1 hammering of title rivals Aston Villa. But Mikel Arteta knows all too well that their five-point advantage is still slim, with Manchester City holding a game-in-hand. And this might prompt Arsenal top brass to explore their options in the transfer market, particularly given their ongoing injury problems.
Arsenal have been criticised for not effectively utilising the mid-season window in past seasons, having failed to add depth in recent years and ultimately paid the price at the end of the season. Following Tuesday night's victory, Arteta's squad will head to Bournemouth to take on Andoni Iraola's team on Saturday. Here's all the latest news from the Emirates.
Viktor Gyokeres' goal celebration hasn't been seen often since he joined Arsenal
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Viktor Gyokeres' goal celebration hasn't been seen often since he joined Arsenal(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Gyokeres verdict
Arsenal icon Robert Pires has shared his views on the summer signing of Viktor Gyokeres.
The Swede arrived amid high expectations after the Gunners shelled out a hefty £64million fee, but he has faced criticism for not scoring as many goals as expected this season, having bagged just five times in 17 games, reports the Mirror.
Club legend Pires has now labelled the forward as a crucial summer acquisition but insists Arsenal's main striker needs to net more goals to help them clinch the league. The Frenchman told Flashscore: "Arteta has changed something, especially in terms of squad depth. The quality on the bench is very important.
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(Image: PA)
"Arsenal spent a lot of money on Viktor Gyokeres and that was a key move. When you want to win the Premier League, you need a striker who can score goals consistently but also helps the team in difficult moments."
When questioned about whether Gyokeres represents the missing piece for Arsenal in their title pursuit, Pires endorsed the striker, stating: "Yes, because goals are crucial. But it's not only about scoring. He gives the team something different.
"For me, the big difference with this Arsenal squad is not only the starting 11, but the quality on the bench. When players come on, they can immediately help the team. That is very important over a long season."
Arteta's private talks
Noni Madueke
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Noni Madueke has shone for Arsenal since his summer arrival(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Noni Madueke has disclosed how his initial phone conversation with Mikel Arteta persuaded him to join Arsenal.
Madueke transferred from London rivals Chelsea during the summer in what was initially a contentious £48.5m deal, considering the fierce rivalry between the two clubs.
However, the winger has subsequently captured the hearts of the Gunners supporters through his electrifying displays, particularly during Bukayo Saka's injury lay-off and with his double strike against Club Brugge in the Champions League.
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Discussing his confidential chat with Arteta prior to his switch to north London, Madueke revealed to the Arsenal website: "I think the first time I got on the phone with Mikel was a great conversation.
"It was me and my dad and him. He just highlighted the plans he had for the team and the plans he had for me.
"A lot of the things that he said really resonated with me and then, of course, I knew how good the team was and that they were in a position to really challenge for major honours. So that's what made the choice for me."