According to a report by Football London on Friday, October 16, 2026, Riccardo Calafiori, a defender for Arsenal, has said that Viktor Gyokeres is one of Mikel Arteta's most competitive players, implying that the Swedish striker has a hard time accepting defeat.

Arteta has instilled a winning mentality at Arsenal, which contributed to the club's 2025–26 Premier League championship. Players like Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and Gabriel Magalhaes are renowned for their fierce competitiveness and unwavering determination.

On the other hand, when asked to identify a teammate who has the hardest time accepting defeat, Calafiori chose Gyokeres, implying that the striker takes setbacks very personally.

From Sporting CP, Arsenal acquired Gyokeres in 2025 for a reported £55 million, with further bonuses thrown in. The Swedish international got off to a great start at the Emirates Stadium, contributing significantly to the club's success last season and scoring over 20 goals in all competitions.

Gyokeres has encountered difficulties in the present campaign, notwithstanding his prior accomplishments. The Swedish striker's chances of establishing a consistent starting position have diminished since Kai Havertz has surpassed him in Arteta's selection.

Despite starting all three of Arsenal's matches against Ipswich Town, Napoli, and Lille, Gyokeres was unable to find the back of the net. Even though the Gunners won all three games, he might have been even more frustrated because he couldn't score.

In an interview with Arsenal's official website, Calafiori acknowledged that he, too, despises defeat and went on to mention Gyokeres as another member of the team who possesses an intense drive to succeed.

Although Calafiori thinks Gyokeres could be more devastated by a loss, he still names himself one of the team's most competitive players.

With two league titles in the last three seasons—one with Arsenal and one with Sporting CP—the Swedish striker has had a tremendously successful recent run.

While he is competing with Havertz for the starting spot at center forward for Arteta, his future in the starting lineup is unclear. Gyokeres must capitalize on his chances and prove that he can score goals if he wants to be the starting striker for the club.

The 27-year-old may have a pivotal few weeks ahead of him as competition for spots at Arsenal heats up.

His position in the team would be strengthened if he scored goals more consistently, but if he continues to struggle, Arteta may start to wonder what he has in store for the future.