Viktor Gyokeres should not leave Arsenal in January, says Jeremie Aliadiere

Viktor Gyokeres should not even think about leaving Arsenal in January, according to former Gunners striker Jeremie Aliadiere.

The Sweden international has started just one Premier League game this season, and talk of an exit has started to build. Aliadiere, who left Arsenal for more minutes and now regrets it, believes the £63.5million striker can still come good.

Viktor Gyokeres and the bench problem

The numbers make hard reading for the striker. Gyokeres has started just one of Arsenal’s 10 Premier League games this season. He came off the bench for a sixth time in the league against Hull and has been an unused substitute three times.

There have been bright moments. He scored and set up the other goal in the 2-1 Champions League win over Slavia Prague, and he also found the net in the Carabao Cup defeat to Fleetwood. But Kai Havertz has the shirt for the big league games, and he started again when Gyokeres was left on the bench against Hull. Arsenal won that game 1-0 through Martin Ødegaard’s late goal.

It is a long way from the striker Arsenal thought they were buying. Gyokeres cost £63.5million from Sporting after scoring 97 goals in 102 games in Portugal. He scored 21 times in all competitions in his first season as Arsenal won the title, but Havertz had taken his place by the end of the campaign.

Pundits are split. Micah Richards has suggested Arsenal should cash in during the January window.

Aliadiere’s verdict on Viktor Gyokeres

Speaking to the Daily Star, Aliadiere made it clear he is a fan. He pointed to how Gyokeres stepped up while Havertz was injured for much of last season.

“I like Gyokeres. You have to remember Havertz was out for a lot of last season and Gyokeres came in and did well for the team. Scored goals and contributed well and enabled others to score as well.”

He accepts the Swede is not a perfect fit for Mikel Arteta’s style. “He does prefer the ball played to him quicker,” he said. “Arsenal do play a different style to that of Lisbon, but he has adapted well.”

That is a softer line than last week, when Aliadiere told Metro that the way Arsenal play “does not quite suit” Gyokeres. Now he believes the answer is patience, not a parting of the ways.

“I think he does have a big future at Arsenal as it’s a team game and while Arsenal are winning, you don’t want to ruin a winning formula,” he said. “And you look elsewhere and where is another striker of Gyokeres physique who is proven at this level.”

Then came the line that will get supporters talking. “You’re at a club top of the Premier League and gunning for back-to-back titles,” he said. “You’re in a great place in the Champions League. Why on earth would you want to leave when more trophies can be possible.”

The Juventus talk

His comments come as the first exit rumours appear. Italian outlet TuttoJuve has claimed Arsenal could listen to offers for Gyokeres and that Juventus could look at him again. That remains a rumour, and the same report says no talks have taken place between the clubs.

Aliadiere does not see a January move happening. “You need a few good strikers in the squad to handle all the games and Arsenal are doing it right,” he said. “So I do not see Gyokeres forcing a move in January at all.”

He did add one caveat: “Unless Arsenal believe they feel they can upgrade, then it’s a possibility.”

What comes next for Viktor Gyokeres

Aliadiere speaks from experience. He pushed for a move from Arsenal to Middlesbrough because he was not playing enough, and he now says he regrets it because squads rotate far more today and benches are much bigger.

That is the heart of his message. With so many games to come, Gyokeres will get chances, and one good run could change everything. For now, the striker needs goals in the minutes he is given. Follow every twist on our Premier League news page.

FAQ

Is Viktor Gyokeres leaving Arsenal?
There is no confirmed move. Italian reports have linked him with Juventus, but no talks have taken place, and Aliadiere does not expect a January exit.

How much did Arsenal pay for Viktor Gyokeres?
Arsenal signed him from Sporting for £63.5million.

How many Premier League games has Gyokeres started this season?
One of Arsenal’s 10 league games. He has come off the bench six times and been an unused substitute three times.