'He doesn't fit in anymore' – Expert: Arsenal freezing out player with 68% start rate last term

Viktor Gyokeres will begin to question his role at Arsenal under Mikel Arteta after recent snubs.

That is according to experienced former Tottenham, Everton and Aston Villa scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.

The striker position has long been a contentious one for the Gunners, who had looked to finally solve their number nine issues last summer.

Swedish international Gyokeres was brought to the Emirates after producing impressive numbers for Sporting CP in Portugal.

His first season at Arsenal was by no means a failure either; he scored 14 goals in his debut campaign, starting in 26 of the 38 Premier League games - a 68% rate.

However, he has been dropped frequently by Arteta in 2026-27, plunging his future into doubt.

Viktor Gyokeres to question Arsenal future

Gyokeres has yet to start in the Premier League in the first six fixtures, putting into question whether Arteta trusts him.

It is a fall from grace from last season, where he was a key asset in the title-winning campaign.

But now, Gyokeres may already be wondering about his next steps.

"I know he had a very, very positive period at Coventry. He was scoring more goals than matches he played," King told Football Insider.

"I think at the moment, part of his problem is that he's not down as a regular player. You understand me? He's not in the starting XI, which can always breed an uncertainty from the player.

"And also, the player starts thinking, well, does the manager really fancy me? Am I the right player for this football club?

"So I'm just wondering. They spent a lot of money on him. I mean, everywhere he's been, be it Sporting Lisbon, Coventry, he's scored goals.

"But he just doesn't seem to fit into that Arsenal set-up anymore, does he? But there again, if he doesn't get games, he won't score goals. And centre-forwards, they're all about scoring goals."

Gyokeres has an impossible hurdle to jump over

Unfortunately for Gyokeres, it does seem like Arteta prefers a different style of centre-forward.

Kai Havertz has been leading the line, and the German's qualities mean he is capable of dropping deep and linking the play.

Whereas the Swedish striker often sits on the last line of defence, looking to make runs in behind.

Due to that, the 28-year-old could find it difficult to even displace Havertz over the season.

He may have to settle for being the deputy number nine.