Viktor Gyokeres looking on during Southampton vs Arsenal
Arsenal’s Swedish striker #14 Viktor Gyokeres looks on during the English FA Cup quarter final football match between Southampton and Arsenal at St Mary’s Stadium in Southampton, southern England on April 4, 2026. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /
Viktor Gyokeres finally ended his goal drought at Fleetwood on Tuesday night, but it’s done little to quieten the debate around him.
His scrappy finish from Ceadach O’Neill’s cross was his first Arsenal goal since May, ending a run of 15 games without one. Before that, he’d managed just two shots all season. And with a trip to Anfield on Sunday, it’s Kai Havertz who still looks like Mikel Arteta’s choice when the big games come around.
Credit: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images – Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images
On the latest episode of The Rest Is Football, Gary Lineker made it clear where he stands.
Gary Lineker doesn’t see Viktor Gyokeres as Arsenal’s starting nine
“I don’t see him as a starting nine, particularly for a club of the stature of Arsenal,” Lineker said. “I think he can come off the bench and do a bit. I think he’s more of a squad player.”
He had a stat to back it up, too. Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard have four goals each this season, Havertz and Noni Madueke two, Gyokeres one and Christos Tzolis none. That’s 13 between them, the same number Erling Haaland has scored on his own.
Micah Richards thinks similarly. He said Gyokeres has “stopped doing the things that he’s really good at”, like running in behind, and that he “looks like he has no confidence”.
“He’s not playing well and he’s not scoring, so that becomes very difficult,” Richards added. “I just feel like he needs one of them opportunities where he plays 90 minutes, he scores, he builds confidence, and he goes from there. Otherwise, you know, they’re going to have to look to move him on.”
Arsenal should be open to selling Viktor Gyokeres
Lineker’s right. Viktor Gyokeres was a big part of last season’s title win. With both Havertz and Gabriel Jesus out for so long, his availability was crucial, and he chipped in with 21 goals in all competitions. Arsenal simply wouldn’t have won the league without him.
But it’s clear that he’s limited technically, and he doesn’t suit the way Arsenal play. Most teams sit deep against them and leave no space in behind, and that takes away the one thing he does best.
He’d be a far better fit somewhere with more room to run into. Atletico Madrid were reportedly interested earlier this month, and a side like Inter Milan or, dare we say it, Manchester United would suit his game far more.
Arsenal need something different up front, perhaps someone like Paris Brunner. And after the start Gyokeres has had this season, they shouldn’t rule out a move as soon as January.