**Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres insists that he remains “extremely happy” at the Premier League champions, but he is keen on getting more game time.**
The Swedish international was linked with a move to Atletico Madrid during the summer transfer window, as part of a swap deal for Julian Alvarez, but Gyokeres says he was never close to leaving:
“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. It’s clear that I want to play football as much as possible. Hopefully that will come, too.”
Gyokeres has not started in the Premier League this season, with manager Mikel Arteta favouring [**Kai Havertz**](https://goonernews.com/blog/arsenal-news-kai-havertz-golden-boot-murphy/) up front, and the 28-year-old has made it clear that he wants to get back into the team:
“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.”
The Arsenal star has to do more
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The main criticism of Gyokeres is his inability to link up play. He can run the channels, but it is rare to see him involved in the build-up to attacks.
It is in stark contrast to Havertz, who is very comfortable coming deep for the ball or being used as a target man if needed.
Injuries may present an opportunity for Gyokeres
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Havertz sustained a hamstring injury whilst playing for Germany last week, and he is a doubt to face Leeds in Arsenal’s first game after the international break.
That means Gyokeres could well be named in the starting eleven for a Premier League match. His only starts so far this campaign have come in the Champions League and Carabao Cup.