Arsenal’s ’11 unhappy aces’ claim as Gyokeres gets warning over three team-mates

Viktor Gyokeres may have set Arsenal back over £63million but the striker is not guaranteed a place in Mikel Arteta’s starting lineup, according to an ex-Gunners star

Mikel Arteta has been told he’ll have the hardest job of his career this season handling his new and improved Arsenal squad. The Spaniard has spent over £200million so far in the summer transfer window as he looks to bolster his team in order to finally clinch Premier League and Champions League glory.

The signing of Viktor Gyokeres is the latest addition to the north London side and one that fans will hope will rectify their striker issues. The Swede – who will don the famous number 14 for his new club – scored 97 goals in 102 games for Sporting CP and arrives with high expectations to fire Arsenal to silverware.

Despite the fanfare surrounding the 27-year-old, his place at the centre of Arteta‘s attack will not come without serious competition. Former Arsenal midfielder, Anders Limpar, has warned him that the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, and Mikel Merino will keep the Swedish international on his toes should he struggle to get off to a flying start.

Speaking to AceOdds, he said: “It’s still pre-season and everything can happen, but Gyokeres is going to compete with Gabriel Jesus first of all. Kai Havertz is a very intelligent and good player, and he can play in the number nine role as well of course, and we have even seen Merino play in that role.

“So, in my opinion Arteta got four players to compete for the number nine position, but when you sign a player in that calibre and for that kind of money, you will obviously start him,” said Limpar who spent four years at Highbury.

“But it’s up to Gyokeres to score goals and produce good chances, because he is not guaranteed a place in the starting lineup, but Arteta wants a hell of a team to compete for the Premier League title and reach the Champions League final.”

Arteta has succeeded in introducing more quality within his squad but with that comes difficulties said Limpar who admitted the Gunners boss will have to juggle 11 unhappy players in his team who’ll grow frustrated due to their lack of action.

“He needs 22 good players to win big trophies, and now he has four very good options for the number nine role,” he added. “For Arteta it won’t be a problem, but for the players it will be a problem, and to have so many stars, it will be a hell of a dressing room if only 11 players can play.

“Then he will have maybe 10 or 11 unhappy players, and to cope with that is the hardest thing there is for a manager. The hardest thing for a manager at a top club is to cope with 20 superstars, but he wants the best players and then it’s up to Arteta to pick the best players.”

Given Arsenal’s long-standing chase for Gyokeres’ signature, it’s obvious how much they think of him as Arteta pinpointed exactly what makes him special when discussing the completion of the transfer. “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Viktor Gyökeres to the club,” he said.

“The consistency he has shown in his performances and availability have been outstanding, and his goal contributions speak for themselves. Viktor has so many qualities. He is a quick and powerful presence up front, with incredible goalscoring numbers at club and international levels.

“He brings a clinical edge with a high conversion rate of chances into goals, with his intelligent movement in the box making him a constant threat. We’re excited about what Viktor brings to our squad and are looking forward to start working with him. We welcome Viktor and his family to Arsenal.”

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