Viktor Gyokeres was on target for Sweden as the Arsenal striker finds form after struggling so far this season
Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres has found playing time hard to come by so far in his second season at Arsenal(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres has rubbished the suggestion he was close to leaving in the summer, amid interest in Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez. The Gunners looked to the Atletico and Argentina talisman to add firepower in their Premier League title defence, however they were left disappointed after he snubbed a return to England.
Alvarez was also being courted by Barcelona, with the suggestion that the move across Spain to the Catalan giants was a dream one for him, however Diego Simeone's side blocked a move. Gyokeres was mooted as a potential makeweight in the deal to sign the 26-year-old with Atletico, said to have held an admiration for the Sweden international.
Ultimately, it didn't materialise and Alvarez remained at the Wanda Metropolitano, tasked with winning over the Atletico faithful who had jeered him and made their feelings clear over his conduct regarding the move. Gyokeres stayed put with the Premier League champions but has been forced to bide his time for an outing, with Kai Havertz preferred.
The 28-year-old was on target for Sweden in their 3-1 win over Poland in the Nations League and, speaking after the game, he revealed he wasn't eyeing an exit.
Gyokeres said: “Of course, there was a lot of speculation. But I had a full pre-season, and it felt good. I was fully focused on Arsenal.
“For me, staying was a given. I’m extremely happy at the club.”
Gyokeres has played twice in the Premier League this season with Havertz handed a regular starting berth by Arteta.
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He was an unused substitute in each of the opening two wins over Coventry City and Aston Villa before coming on in a 12-minute cameo against Chelsea.
The Swede was handed a start in the 1-0 win over Napoli in the Champions League, as well as playing the entirety of their 4-2 Carabao Cup win over Ipswich Town.
His only other appearance for Arsenal came in a 17-minute outing during last week's 3-0 drubbing to Brighton & Hove Albion. Reflecting on his performance against Poland, Gyokeres hinted at his lack of playing time.
The 28-year-old said: "It felt good (to score) and I felt good physically. I felt involved, so it was fun to be out there playing.
"I haven’t played a lot, but I’ve had a few games. It’s felt okay then, but it’s clear that I want to play football and as much as possible. Hopefully that will come, too. You always want to be on the field as a football player.
"Of course you expect more playing time, but we have an extremely good squad with a lot of good players and have been doing well here at the start.
"I’m just trying to focus on what I can control and do my best to play more."