Viktor Gyokeres faces uncertainty at Arsenal after two unused substitute appearances
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 1, 2026, 3:20 PM
Last updated Sep 1, 2026

Viktor Gyokeres has remained an unused substitute for both of Arsenal’s opening Premier League matches, failing to record any minutes against Coventry City and Aston Villa. Mikel Arteta has started Kai Havertz at center-forward in both fixtures, fueling speculation regarding the Swedish striker’s status within the squad. This benching occurs amid persistent links to a potential swap deal involving Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid, a scenario discussed in reports dating back to June. While there is no current verification that a transfer proposal involving Gyokeres and a cash payment has been renewed, his lack of playing time has heightened interest surrounding his future before the transfer window closes. Arteta maintains that the selection reflects his current preference for Havertz, noting that the squad must balance commitments across several competitions throughout the season. The situation remains a focal point as the deadline approaches.
- •Viktor Gyokeres has logged zero minutes in Arsenal's two opening Premier League matches.
- •Kai Havertz has started at center-forward for Arsenal in both fixtures.
- •Previous reports linked Viktor Gyokeres to a potential swap deal for Julian Alvarez.
- •Arsenal confirmed the departures of Gabriel Jesus to Barcelona and Fabio Vieira to Hamburg on September 1, 2026.
- 3:20 PMYahoo Sports — Two games, zero minutes: Could Arsenal’s Gyokeres-Alvarez story have one final twist?
"Viktor Gyokeres has now been an unused substitute for both of Arsenal’s opening Premier League games, and inevitably that is beginning to raise questions about the striker’s position in Mikel Arte...
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