Arsenal fans could soon have a major reason to celebrate as Viktor Gyökeres continues to fight for his place in Mikel Arteta’s starting lineup.
The Swedish striker has faced growing pressure following a difficult start to the 2026/27 campaign, but his determination to prove himself could be about to change the situation at the Emirates Stadium. With Arsenal looking to maintain their challenge for major trophies, the possibility of Gyökeres returning as the club’s first-choice striker has become an important talking point among supporters.
Mikel Arteta has continued to defend the forward despite criticism surrounding his performances in recent matches. The Arsenal manager believes that Gyökeres possesses the qualities needed to make a significant difference to the team, and his commitment in training remains an encouraging sign for the coaching staff. Although the striker has struggled to reproduce his best form consistently in an Arsenal shirt, the club have reasons to believe that he can still become an important figure in their attacking plans.
The situation surrounding Gyökeres has attracted considerable attention because Arsenal supporters expected the Swedish international to provide a consistent source of goals after his arrival. His reputation as a powerful striker capable of attacking defenders, running behind defensive lines and finishing chances made him an exciting addition to Arteta’s squad. However, adapting to Arsenal’s style of play has not been straightforward, and the competition for the centre-forward position has made his situation even more challenging.
Arteta has recently reiterated his belief in the striker, stressing that his current difficulties should not determine how his entire Arsenal career is judged. The manager has emphasised Gyökeres’ determination, work rate and willingness to improve, suggesting that the forward remains an important option as Arsenal prepare for their upcoming fixtures.
While the headline that Gyökeres is on the verge of returning as Arsenal’s first-team striker should be treated as a developing storyline rather than a confirmed selection decision, the manager’s continued support could provide the confidence the Swedish international needs to rediscover his best form.
One of the biggest challenges facing Gyökeres has been the competition for the starting striker position. Arsenal have several attacking options available, and Arteta must carefully consider which player offers the best balance between goalscoring, movement, pressing and combination play. Every training session and competitive appearance therefore presents an opportunity for Gyökeres to demonstrate that he deserves a regular place in the starting eleven.
Kai Havertz has also been part of the conversation surrounding Arsenal’s centre-forward position. The German international offers different qualities, including intelligent movement, link-up play and the ability to connect midfield with attack. This gives Arteta a difficult decision whenever both players are available.
However, Gyökeres brings a different threat. His physical strength, direct running and ability to attack open spaces can create problems for defenders, particularly when Arsenal move the ball quickly through midfield. When the team supplies him with accurate passes and creates opportunities in dangerous areas, he has the potential to become a decisive attacking player.
The key question is whether Arsenal can consistently create the conditions in which Gyökeres performs at his best. A striker depends not only on his own finishing ability but also on the quality of service he receives from his teammates. If Arsenal’s midfielders and wide players can provide more effective deliveries into the penalty area, the Swedish forward could have more opportunities to demonstrate his goalscoring ability.
Bukayo Saka and the other players operating in Arsenal’s attacking positions could play an important role in this process. Their movement, creativity and ability to draw defenders away from central areas can create the spaces Gyökeres needs to attack. Better coordination between the striker and his teammates could help Arsenal develop a more consistent attacking threat.
Arteta will also be looking for Gyökeres to improve his movement when Arsenal are building attacks against teams that defend deep. Premier League opponents frequently attempt to restrict the space available around the penalty area, making it difficult for centre-forwards to receive the ball in dangerous positions. The ability to find pockets of space, anticipate crosses and make intelligent runs can therefore be just as important as physical strength.
For Gyökeres, the challenge is to turn promising moments into goals and decisive contributions. Strikers are often judged by their numbers, and a consistent run of goals could quickly change the conversation surrounding his performances.
The Arsenal manager understands that confidence is particularly important for attacking players. A striker who begins scoring regularly can become more decisive in front of goal, while a prolonged period without goals can increase the pressure surrounding every opportunity.
Arteta has previously explained that small details can influence the way a striker’s performance is perceived. He has also pointed to Gyökeres’ determination and work rate as reasons why the forward continues to have his support. These comments suggest that the manager is not prepared to abandon the player simply because he has experienced difficulties during the opening stages of the campaign.
For Arsenal supporters, the prospect of Gyökeres returning to a more prominent role raises hopes that the team could become even more dangerous in the final third. The Gunners have ambitions of challenging for the Premier League title and competing strongly in Europe, and having a reliable centre-forward could prove crucial during the most demanding periods of the season.
The fixture schedule will also place increasing demands on Arteta’s squad. Injuries, suspensions and the need to rotate players can make squad depth extremely important. If Gyökeres rediscovers his confidence and begins delivering consistent performances, Arsenal would have another dependable attacking option capable of helping the team through a busy run of matches.
There is also the possibility that competition for the striker position could benefit the entire squad. Havertz and Gyökeres have different strengths, and the presence of both players gives Arteta tactical alternatives depending on the opponent. One match might require a striker who can combine with teammates in tight spaces, while another might demand a more direct forward capable of stretching the opposition defence.
Rather than viewing the situation as a straightforward contest between the two players, Arteta could use their different characteristics to make Arsenal more unpredictable. Gyökeres would still need to demonstrate that he can deliver the performances required to earn regular starts, but his particular qualities could prove valuable against opponents who leave space behind their defensive lines.
The Swedish striker’s mentality will be another important factor. Returning to the starting lineup at a club with Arsenal’s ambitions requires patience, discipline and the ability to respond positively to setbacks. Gyökeres must continue working hard, remain focused on his responsibilities and take advantage of the opportunities that come his way.
If he manages to score in an important match, the effect could extend beyond the immediate result. A goal could restore his confidence, strengthen his understanding with his teammates and ease some of the pressure surrounding his place in the team. Several strong performances could then put him in a better position to establish himself as Arteta’s preferred centre-forward.
Nevertheless, Arsenal supporters will be waiting for more than encouraging words. They want to see Gyökeres making a difference on the pitch, contributing goals and helping the team win important matches. His ability to respond to the challenge will ultimately determine whether he can become the regular first-choice striker many expected him to be.
Arteta, meanwhile, must balance his confidence in the player with the need to select a team capable of delivering results. The manager cannot guarantee a starting place indefinitely, particularly when other forwards are competing for opportunities. Gyökeres will need to show that his performances justify the responsibility of leading Arsenal’s attack.
There is little doubt that the coming weeks could be significant for the striker’s season. A return to regular starts would give him more time to build momentum, develop stronger partnerships and demonstrate the qualities that convinced Arsenal to bring him to the club.
For now, the most encouraging sign for Gyökeres is that Arteta continues to believe he can help the team. The manager’s public support provides an important foundation, but the next step belongs to the player himself. If he responds with improved performances and begins finding the back of the net consistently, the debate over Arsenal’s first-choice striker could change quickly.
Arsenal have invested in building a squad capable of competing at the highest level, and Gyökeres still has an opportunity to establish himself as a central part of that project. His physical presence, attacking instincts and determination could become valuable assets if he finds the right rhythm in Arteta’s system.
Ultimately, the possibility of Viktor Gyökeres returning as Arsenal’s first-team striker will depend on his fitness, form and ability to convince the manager that he deserves the role. Arteta’s continued faith offers encouragement, but consistency will be the decisive factor.
If the Swedish international can turn that encouragement into goals, stronger performances and match-winning contributions, Arsenal could soon see the best version of the striker they hoped would lead their attack. For Gyökeres, the opportunity remains open, and the coming matches could be crucial in determining whether he can turn that promise into a regular starting position at the Emirates Stadium.