Viktor Gyokeres £82m truth emerges as Arsenal statement speaks volumes amid Mikel Arteta plan

Viktor Gyokeres is yet to hit full flow at Arsenal this season since joining the club from Sporting CP, but Mikel Arteta continues to back his striker despite his latest blank against Liverpool

Viktor Gyokeres' run of games without a goal for Arsenal extended to six games on Thursday in the Gunners' 0-0 draw against Liverpool. The striker managed just eight touches of the ball before being subbed off with half an hour left to play.

Since his summer move from Sporting CP, Gyokeres has scored seven goals in 24 games. Minus his goal from the penalty spot against Everton before Christmas, he last scored from open play in the 2-0 win over Burnley at the start of November.

The Sweden international has struggled to make an impact for Mikel Arteta's team in recent months, with Gabriel Jesus being used off the bench.

Kai Havertz's gradual return from injury and Mikel Merino's track record at centre-forward mean he could be set for a spell on the bench.

Arsenal paid over £60million to sign Gyokeres last summer, with his signature bringing expectations that he would be the missing piece to Arteta's Premier League title jigsaw. However, it hasn't been right now.

Despite struggling to consistently impact games and find the back of the net, Arteta remains confident in his striker.

"Since day one, you sign as a No.9 for Arsenal with the background he has and the expectation at Arsenal, that is not going away," he said. "That is the life of being an Arsenal No.9.

"There is an expectation when you pull the shirt on. He knew that and it was part of the plan. I see him training every day and in the meeting, how much he wants to do well.

"The way he is working every single match, it will click. One thing is missing at the moment, scoring more goals, but he is doing other things right."

When Gyokeres moved to north London, he signed a five-year contract. The 27-year-old's signing could cost up to £64m and yet, despite his struggles, his market value has already increased.

According to the CIES Football Observatory, Gyokeres' value is estimated at €94m (£81.9m). That's mainly down to his prolific first half of 2025 and decent opening two months in England.

For everyone associated with the football club, Gyokeres will help Arsenal win the Premier League; his form will return, and there will be no need even to consider any future sale.

However, if the future does bring an exit, the Gunners are in a strong position.