Viktor Gyokeres has admitted that he is frustrated with his limited playing time at Arsenal at the start of the 2026/2027 season.
The Swedish striker has found himself behind Kai Havertz in Mikel Arteta’s attacking options. After making only two substitute appearances in Arsenal’s first five Premier League matches, Gyokeres acknowledged that the situation has not been easy.
For a player who wants to contribute with goals and spend as much time as possible on the pitch, the lack of minutes has naturally become a source of frustration.
However, Gyokeres insists his focus remains firmly on Arsenal and on making the most of every opportunity he receives.
Viktor Gyokeres Frustrated With Limited Arsenal Minutes
Gyokeres arrived at the start of the season with expectations surrounding his role in Arsenal’s attack.
The Swedish forward had enjoyed a productive previous campaign, scoring 14 goals in 36 appearances as Arsenal won the Premier League title in the 2025/2026 season.
Yet his start to the new campaign has been considerably quieter.
Across Arsenal’s first five Premier League matches, Gyokeres has made only two appearances as a substitute. His limited involvement has left him behind Havertz in the competition for a regular starting position.
The situation has understandably tested his patience.
When asked about his current role after Sweden’s victory over Romania, Gyokeres did not hide his feelings.
“Of course it’s frustrating, wherever you are. You always want to be on the pitch, contribute and score goals,” Gyokeres said.
He also acknowledged that frustration can sometimes be unavoidable, but emphasized that he would continue focusing on what he could control.
Gyokeres Chooses to Stay Focused on Arsenal
Despite the lack of regular playing time, Gyokeres has not indicated that he is looking to move away from Arsenal.
Speculation about his future had already emerged before the new season began. However, the striker stressed that he remains committed to his current club.
“I had a full pre-season and everything felt good. I’m fully focused on Arsenal,” Gyokeres said, according to SVT Sport.
That statement provides an important indication of his current mindset.
Rather than allowing speculation about his future to become a distraction, Gyokeres wants to concentrate on training, improving and taking advantage of opportunities when they arrive.
For Arsenal, having a striker who remains motivated despite limited minutes could become valuable as the season progresses.
Kai Havertz Injury Could Change the Situation
One factor that could give Gyokeres more opportunities is Havertz’s injury.
The German forward suffered an injury while representing Germany against the Netherlands earlier in the week. His absence could potentially open the door for Gyokeres to receive a larger role in Arteta’s attack.
The timing could therefore be significant for the Swedish striker.
Gyokeres has already demonstrated his ability to contribute in front of goal. If given more opportunities, he will have the chance to show why Arsenal brought him into the squad.
For now, however, the exact impact of Havertz’s injury on Arsenal’s selection remains dependent on his recovery.
Strong Numbers From Gyokeres’ First Arsenal Season
While Gyokeres has faced criticism at times, his numbers from the previous season remain notable.
In his first Premier League campaign with Arsenal, he scored 21 goals and provided three assists across 60 appearances in all competitions.
His contribution helped Arsenal secure the Premier League title during the 2025/2026 season.
There were also moments when his performances attracted criticism from some Swedish media outlets, including after appearances for Arsenal.
However, his overall numbers provide a broader picture of his contribution.
Some of the key figures from his Arsenal spell include:
- 21 goals in 60 appearances
- Three assists across those appearances
- 14 Premier League goals from 36 matches during Arsenal’s title-winning season
- A Premier League title with Arsenal in 2025/2026
Those numbers show that Gyokeres has already made a meaningful contribution despite the debate surrounding his performances.
Sweden Victory Gives Gyokeres a Boost
While his Arsenal situation remains complicated, Gyokeres was able to find the net for Sweden in their 2-1 victory over Romania.
The goal provided a positive moment for the striker after a difficult start to the season at club level.
International football also gave Gyokeres an opportunity to regain confidence and remind supporters of his attacking qualities.
However, his focus will eventually return to Arsenal, where the competition for minutes remains intense.
His challenge now is to translate his international form into another opportunity at club level.
No Clear Sign Gyokeres Wants to Leave Arsenal
The limited playing time has inevitably created speculation about Gyokeres’ future.
However, based on his latest comments, there is no indication from the striker himself that he is actively seeking an exit from Arsenal.
Instead, Gyokeres appears determined to remain focused on his current responsibilities.
His approach is straightforward: continue working, stay ready and perform whenever Arteta gives him an opportunity.
That could become particularly important if Arsenal face a busy schedule and injuries begin to affect the squad.
Arteta Faces an Interesting Decision
Mikel Arteta now faces an interesting situation regarding his attacking options.
Havertz has been ahead of Gyokeres at the beginning of the season, but his injury could potentially alter the balance.
Gyokeres has already admitted that he wants more opportunities, and his comments suggest he believes he can make a greater contribution if given the chance.
The coming matches could therefore provide a clearer picture of how Arteta intends to use him.
For Gyokeres, the objective is simple. He wants to be on the pitch, contribute goals and prove his value to Arsenal.
His frustration is understandable, but the striker has also shown that he is prepared to remain patient and focus on the things within his control.
With the season still long, the situation could change quickly.
For now, Viktor Gyokeres remains an Arsenal player determined to fight for his place, while the injury to Havertz could provide the opening he has been waiting for.
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