Viktor Gyokeres (foto: Uradni Twitter profil kluba/zveze)
Viktor Gyokeres has reportedly endured a difficult summer relationship with Mikel Arteta, with the Arsenal striker yet to play this season as Kai Havertz takes his place.
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There may have been considerably more happening behind the scenes at Arsenal this summer than initially appeared. Reports suggest that tensions developed between manager Mikel Arteta and striker Viktor Gyokeres.
The alleged disagreement emerged during a hectic period in Arsenal's transfer window, when the Premier League champions were pushing to sign Julian Alvarez. Any arrival of the Argentine would have created even greater competition for Gyokeres in attack.
Details of the reported dispute remain unclear, but sources close to the situation claim that Arteta became frustrated by an incident behind closed doors. Gyokeres was also reportedly unhappy with how the situation developed.
Gyokeres has lost his place to Havertz
The reports add context to earlier suggestions that Gyokeres' representatives had begun exploring possible options away from Arsenal, with Barcelona mentioned among potential destinations.
More significant, however, is what has happened on the pitch. Gyokeres has not played a single minute in Arsenal's opening matches of the new season, with Arteta instead placing his trust in Kai Havertz.
That represents a dramatic change for a player who arrived from Sporting as a major signing and helped Arsenal win the Premier League title last season. Gyokeres scored 14 goals in 36 appearances during the championship campaign and was expected to remain one of Arteta's most important attacking players.
Arsenal have strengthened significantly again this summer, adding players including Christos Tzolis, Bruno Guimaraes and Ezri Konsa, while Leandro Trossard's move to Besiktas has been their most notable departure.
The champions remain among the leading favourites to retain the Premier League title, but Gyokeres suddenly faces an uncertain situation. After the reported summer tension with Arteta, Havertz is currently ahead of him in the hierarchy – and the Swedish striker must now fight his way back into the team.