Arsenal’s summer signing, Viktor Gyökeres, has found himself under a harsh spotlight — and not for the glory he was brought in to deliver. The Swedish striker, signed from Sporting Lisbon for a record-shattering fee, has failed to meet expectations. Owner Stan Kroenke’s patience appears to be wearing dangerously thin, with reports claiming he’s demanded that Mikel Arteta take serious action regarding the underperforming forward. What was meant to be a statement signing is quickly becoming a painful misstep.
Since his high-profile arrival, Gyökeres has scored a meager three goals in ten matches — a far cry from the goal machine Arsenal thought they were buying. The gap between expectation and performance has become a sore spot for everyone involved. Arteta’s bold insistence on signing him, once seen as visionary, is now being second-guessed at every turn. Inside the Emirates, whispers of doubt are beginning to echo loudly through the boardroom corridors.
The situation worsened after another disappointing international performance. During Sweden’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Switzerland, Gyökeres once again drew blanks — not a single shot on target despite starting up front alongside Liverpool’s Alexander Isak. The Swedish press didn’t hold back, describing his play as “resigned and awkward,” while fans began to question whether his confidence has completely crumbled since joining Arsenal.
Sweden’s 2–0 loss only deepened the wound. With Granit Xhaka scoring from the spot and Manzambi adding another late goal, Gyökeres’ struggles became symbolic of Sweden’s broader attacking woes. His lethargic display left supporters frustrated and pundits convinced that the once-feared forward has lost his spark. Some media outlets went as far as saying that Gyökeres “no longer believes in himself,” painting a picture of a player mentally drained and directionless.
Still, the numbers weren’t entirely bleak. He managed two key passes and even crafted one major chance — faint glimmers of his old brilliance. Fotbollskanalen took a more measured tone, suggesting that while Gyökeres fumbled the decisive moments, there were signs of positive link-up play with Isak and Bergvall. But even that silver lining has done little to change the tone back in London, where Kroenke’s frustration is reaching fever pitch.
Inside Arsenal’s camp, Kroenke reportedly sees the Gyökeres transfer as a glaring blot on Arteta’s record — an expensive error that’s yielding little return. Sources claim the owner has directly expressed his anger to the board, labeling the signing “a poor investment” and questioning why Arteta ignored other available strikers. If things don’t turn around before January, Kroenke is said to be considering a squad shake-up or even a loan move for the Swede.
The problem runs deeper than one player. Gyökeres’ inconsistency has disrupted Arsenal’s once-fluid attack. The Gunners have looked disjointed, missing the clinical edge that once defined their game. Dropped points in tight fixtures have intensified the pressure on Arteta, who now faces the daunting task of reviving both his striker and his team’s rhythm before the title race slips away.
As it stands, Arteta’s transfer judgment is under fire. Once hailed as a strategist with a sharp eye for talent, he’s now under scrutiny from fans and the Arsenal hierarchy alike. His faith in Gyökeres may soon define his legacy — for better or worse. If the Swedish forward doesn’t rediscover his form soon, this saga could become the turning point of Arteta’s reign, potentially reshaping the entire leadership dynamic at the Emirates. Kroenke’s message is clear: Arsenal aren’t paying nine figures for excuses — they’re paying for trophies.
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