Arteta shuts down Viktor Gyokeres exit talk after Girona win
Mikel Arteta has made it clear that Viktor Gyokeres will remain at Arsenal this summer despite speculation surrounding the striker’s future.
The Viktor Gyokeres Arsenal future has attracted attention throughout the window, but Arteta gave a direct answer when asked about the Sweden international after Saturday’s win over Girona.
Asked whether Gyokeres would stay at the Emirates Stadium, Arteta replied: “Yes, he’s going to stay.”
The 28-year-old featured from the start as Arsenal beat Girona 4-1 in their first public pre-season friendly. He played for just over half an hour before Gabriel Jesus replaced him as Arteta carefully managed the workload of players returning from the World Cup. Hayters confirmed Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Piero Hincapie were all withdrawn during the first-half water break for that reason.
Gyokeres had only recently returned to Arteta’s squad following Sweden’s World Cup campaign. ReadArsenal highlighted his return ahead of Saturday’s game in its Girona vs Arsenal preview.
His position had become less certain as Arsenal continued to assess attacking additions this summer. Atletico Madrid have previously been linked with the striker, while Arsenal have also explored other elite forwards.
However, Arteta’s latest message removes much of that uncertainty.
Gyokeres scored 21 goals during his first season in north London and helped Arsenal win the Premier League while reaching the Champions League final. He now appears set to compete with Havertz and Jesus for minutes through the middle during the title defence.
Arsenal’s attacking options could still change before the window closes, but the Viktor Gyokeres Arsenal future appears settled after Arteta’s emphatic response.
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