Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori has identified Viktor Gyokeres as one of the most competitive players in Mikel Arteta’s squad, suggesting that the Swedish striker takes defeat particularly seriously. In comments reported by Football London on Friday, October 16, 2026, the Italian admitted that although he also hates losing, Gyokeres could be among the teammates who find it hardest to accept an unfavourable result.

Arteta has worked to establish a strong winning mentality at Arsenal, with the club reportedly securing the Premier League title during the 2025–26 season. Several members of the squad, including Declan Rice, Gabriel Magalhaes and Bukayo Saka, are recognised for their determination and desire to win.

However, Calafiori offered an unexpected name when asked which Arsenal player struggles most with defeat. Rather than selecting one of the club’s more established leaders, he pointed to Gyokeres, whose competitive nature appears to stand out among his teammates.

The Swedish forward joined Arsenal from Sporting CP in 2025 in a deal reportedly worth £55 million, excluding additional bonuses. He made an encouraging start to life in north London, scoring more than 20 goals across competitions and contributing to the club’s success during the previous campaign.

Despite that early impact, Gyokeres has encountered a more challenging period this season. His performances have attracted mixed reactions, while competition for the centre-forward position has intensified. Kai Havertz has moved ahead of him in Arteta’s selection plans, reducing the Swedish international’s opportunities to establish himself as the team’s first-choice striker.

Gyokeres started Arsenal’s matches against Ipswich Town, Napoli and Lille but failed to score in those appearances. Arsenal reportedly won all three games, meaning the team secured the desired results even as the striker searched for a breakthrough in front of goal.

Speaking to Arsenal’s official website, Calafiori acknowledged that losing is something he personally dislikes. He then suggested that Gyokeres shares that mentality and may be even more affected by defeat, although he indicated that other teammates could also rank highly in that category.

The defender’s comments offer a glimpse into the competitive atmosphere within Arsenal’s dressing room, where individual ambition and collective success are important parts of the team’s culture.

Gyokeres arrives at this period with a strong record of recent domestic success. He has won league titles in each of his previous three seasons, including two during his time at Sporting and another with Arsenal, according to the report. Those achievements underline his experience of winning regularly, even as he faces a different challenge in the current campaign.

Nevertheless, his position in Arteta’s starting line-up remains uncertain. The forward will need to make the most of his opportunities, with goals and consistent displays likely to play an important role in determining how much responsibility he receives.

With competition for places continuing, the coming weeks could prove significant for Gyokeres. A return to regular scoring would strengthen his case to lead Arsenal’s attack, while prolonged difficulties could intensify scrutiny of his role at the Emirates Stadium.