Viktor Gyokeres has been tipped for an imminent Arsenal exit after a miserable start to the 2026/27 season.

The Sweden striker has lost his place in Mikel Arteta's starting XI and is yet to score when called upon, with Mikel Merino now seemingly ahead of him as back-up to Kai Havertz.

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After arriving in a £62million deal in 2025, Gyokeres has never truly passed the eye test for many fans despite netting 20 goals in all competitions last season.

Reports have started to circle that the 28-year-old is considering a January exit.

Speaking on Friday, Arteta stood by his player and said: "Viktor transmits an incredible will and determination and work rate to improve, help the team.

“That's Viktor every single day, regardless of his position, whether he scores a goal or not. And that's why he's always an option to play."

However, speaking on talkSPORT, football broadcasters Flex and Rory Jennings were less convinced.

Flex said: "I think he'll be gone by the end of the season. He scored a lot of goals last season - but he was just playing for a really good team."

Jennings said: "I think he's a complete dud. He's a spent force.

"He's just not good enough. He's obviously not good enough to play for Arsenal."

Jennings added: "There was a problem at Arsenal. They thought they solved it when they signed him. But they did not solve the problem.

"They have the answer to these problems and they're not using it. I feel like Max Dowman just has to play at this point."

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Gyokeres' impact at Arsenal

Gyokeres played a key role in Arsenal’s first Premier League title win in 22 years during his debut season at the club.

But a drastic drop in playing time this season has seen his future called into question.

Gyokeres is yet to start a Premier League match this season with Arteta preferring Havertz to lead the line.

The Swede has managed just 56 minutes of playing time this term from the bench with his future at the club unclear.

Do Arsenal have plans to replace Gyokeres?

Arsenal remain interested in wantaway Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez.

Interest in the Argentine peaked in the summer amid a tug-of-war with Barcelona for the star’s signature.

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Reports in Spain claim Gyokeres could move to La Liga as part of a possible makeweight deal involving Alvarez.

Speaking while on international duty with Sweden earlier this month, Gyokeres poured cold water on the idea of an imminent exit. 

"Of course, there was a lot of speculation," he said. "But I had a full pre-season, and it felt good. I was fully focused on Arsenal. For me, staying was a given. I’m extremely happy at the club.

"It’s clear that I want to play football as much as possible. Hopefully that will come, too," Gyokeres admitted. "You always want to be on the field as a football player.

"Of course, you expect more playing time, but we have an extremely good squad with a lot of good players and have been doing well here at the start.

"I obviously need to do better and I’m willing to do it, so it’s no problem," he said. "It’s good [the dialogue with the coach]. I just try to do well when I get the chance and score goals."