Viktor Gyökeres has been told he should consider himself “lucky” to still be an Arsenal player, just one year after arriving at the club for a reported £63.7 million.
The Sweden international only joined Arsenal from Sporting last summer, but his future at the Emirates was surprisingly questioned during the recent transfer window.
Former Watford striker Troy Deeney believes Gyökeres will be relieved that he remains in north London after Arsenal explored the possibility of using him in a potential deal for Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez.
Arsenal were interested in Alvarez as they looked to strengthen their attack, while Barcelona were also reportedly monitoring the Argentine. During their initial discussions, Arsenal considered whether Gyökeres could be included as part of a possible deal.
The move never materialised, meaning Gyökeres stayed at Arsenal.
Manager Mikel Arteta subsequently made it clear that the striker was part of his plans, but his start to the new Premier League campaign has raised questions about his immediate role in the team.
Gyökeres has yet to play a single minute in Arsenal’s opening league victories over Coventry City and Aston Villa, with Kai Havertz currently preferred as the central striker.
For Deeney, that situation makes Gyökeres fortunate to still be at a club that has just won the Premier League.
“I think he knows he’s lucky to be there, personally,” Deeney said on the Premier League All Access podcast.
The former Premier League striker believes Gyökeres can still play an important role, particularly in Europe, and expects his opportunities to increase now that the transfer window has closed.
“I think when you look at his career, look at his attributes, he’s probably going, ‘I’m at a team here, I’ve won the Premier League, this is unbelievable’,” Deeney added.
“He will be used in the Champions League.”
Gyökeres faces battle for Arsenal starting spot
Despite the speculation surrounding his future, Gyökeres remains one of only two senior striker options available to Arteta following Gabriel Jesus’ move to Barcelona.
That could ultimately work in the 28-year-old’s favour.
Deeney expects Arteta to gradually give Gyökeres more opportunities rather than leave him on the sidelines for an extended period.
“He’ll have a conversation, I wouldn’t be surprised if we start seeing over the next two, three weeks, he gets more minutes and more time now the window’s closed,” Deeney said.
“Mikel is not stupid enough to just keep him on the outside. He’ll be like, ‘Alright, you’re still here, you’re part of the squad, let’s move forward.’”
For Gyökeres, the immediate challenge is to turn those words into action.
Could Gyökeres feature against Chelsea?
Arsenal face their biggest test of the young Premier League season when they host Chelsea on Sunday, with both clubs entering the fixture boasting perfect records.
Gyökeres has been an unused substitute in Arsenal’s opening two league games and could find himself on the bench again.
Havertz remains the favourite to lead the line, despite a relatively quiet display against Aston Villa, where he managed just one shot.
However, with Jesus no longer available and a long season ahead, opportunities for Gyökeres are almost certain to come.
The former Sporting star now has a chance to put the transfer speculation behind him and remind Arsenal supporters why the club invested heavily in him in the first place.
The transfer window may be closed, but the competition for Arsenal’s No. 9 spot is only just beginning.
