Arsenal’s £63M Gamble? Dressing Room Drama Could Hold Viktor Gyokeres Back from Starting Spot

Arsenal fans were buzzing when the club confirmed the signing of Viktor Gyokeres for over £63 million. But while excitement is high, reality is setting in. The Swedish striker may wear the legendary number 14 shirt, but he is not guaranteed a starting spot in Mikel Arteta’s new-look team. 

Arteta has spent more than £200 million this summer to strengthen Arsenal’s squad. His goal? To finally bring the Premier League trophy back to the Emirates and compete at the highest level in the Champions League. But former Arsenal star Anders Limpar believes this might be Arteta’s toughest season yet, not because of opponents, but because of managing egos and expectations. 

Gyokeres joins Arsenal with an impressive record. He scored 97 goals in 102 matches for Sporting CP and has been deadly in front of goal for both club and country. Yet, Limpar warns that goals alone won’t earn him an automatic place in the starting lineup. 

“Gyokeres will be up against serious competition,” Limpar said. “Gabriel Jesus is a proven attacker, Kai Havertz is highly intelligent and can play as a striker, and even Mikel Merino has been tested in that role.” According to him, Arteta now has four top options for the number nine position, and that means no one can afford to relax. 

While the price tag suggests Gyokeres will start, Limpar says it’s up to him to deliver. If he doesn’t perform, others will quickly take his place. “You sign a player of that calibre and cost to start him,” he added. “But it’s his job to keep scoring and creating chances.” 

Arteta is facing a classic manager’s dilemma: too many stars, not enough starting spots. “He now has a squad with 22 strong players, but only 11 can play,” said Limpar. “That means 10 or 11 players will be unhappy on the bench.” 

Managing this kind of talent pool is no small task. Limpar says, “It’ll be a hell of a dressing room when you have that many frustrated players. That’s the hardest part of coaching a big team, keeping the superstars happy.” 

The challenge ahead for Arteta isn’t just tactical, it’s psychological. How he rotates and motivates his players will be key to Arsenal’s success this season. The pressure is on not just for Gyokeres, but for everyone fighting for minutes on the pitch. 

Despite the competition, Arteta seems confident. He spoke highly of Gyokeres after the deal was finalized, praising his consistency, power, and sharp goal-scoring instinct. “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Viktor Gyökeres to the club,” Arteta said. “His consistency and goal numbers are incredible. He’s quick, powerful, and intelligent in the box.” 

Arteta believes Gyokeres will bring a “clinical edge” to Arsenal’s attack and help turn chances into goals. He also highlighted the striker’s movement and ability to stay available throughout the season. 

“We’re excited about what Viktor brings to our squad,” said Arteta. “We welcome him and his family to Arsenal.” 

But fanfare aside, Gyokeres now has to prove his worth in a squad full of talent and ambition. Arsenal fans are hoping he will be the final piece of the puzzle, but football is rarely that simple. 

As pre-season continues and the Premier League campaign kicks off, all eyes will be on how Arteta balances his squad. Will Gyokeres become Arsenal’s next great number 14, or will the weight of expectations, and fierce competition, hold him back? 

For now, Gyokeres must stay focused, stay fit, and score goals. That’s the only way he’ll keep his spot and live up to the massive hype and price tag that brought him to North London. 

And for Arteta, managing success might prove even harder than chasing it.