According to a report by Metro on Saturday, October 24, 2026, former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit has cast serious doubt over Viktor Gyokeres’ future at the Emirates Stadium, claiming that the Swedish striker may no longer be wanted by the club.

Gyokeres arrived at Arsenal from Sporting CP last summer after an impressive spell in Portugal, where he scored 97 goals in 102 appearances. Although he managed 22 goals across all competitions in his first season in English football, he has struggled to secure a regular starting position under Mikel Arteta.

The striker’s chances have become more limited following Kai Havertz’s return to fitness and improved form. The Germany international is reportedly now ahead of Gyokeres in the competition for the centre-forward role.

At 28, Gyokeres is yet to start a Premier League match this season, a situation that has led Petit to question whether Arsenal still view him as an important part of their plans.

Speaking to Betfred, the former France international suggested that the striker’s confidence had suffered because of his reduced role.

“He’s not the priority in the pecking order,” Petit said. “I think he’s lost confidence and you can see that.”

Petit also highlighted Arsenal’s reported interest in Atlético Madrid forward Julian Alvarez during the summer transfer window, suggesting that the pursuit could have sent a message about the club’s level of confidence in Gyokeres.

“We can see that he’s lost confidence and we don’t know what his future will be at Arsenal and the club looked at strikers in the transfer market and for me, that was a clear message to Gyokeres that he’s not welcome anymore,” he added.

Gyokeres has also faced criticism from former Liverpool striker Djibril Cissé, who questioned whether his technical ability is suited to the demands of Arteta’s playing style.

Cissé believes the forward may need more time to adjust to the speed and physical intensity of English football after his prolific spell in Portugal.

“Arsenal are a team that play football, and when you’re not at the level technically, it shows, because everyone is very, very technical, just like their coach,” he said.

However, Cissé was careful not to dismiss Gyokeres’ qualities in front of goal, insisting that the striker still has the ability to rediscover his scoring touch.

“He’s also someone who has scored goals. You can’t forget that he’s a goalscorer. A goalscorer never loses it. It disappears sometimes but it comes back,” he added.

Arsenal now face the challenge of managing competition for the central attacking position while ensuring Gyokeres has sufficient opportunities to prove his worth.

Although Petit’s remarks have added to speculation about the striker’s future, they should not be interpreted as an official indication of Arsenal’s position. Gyokeres still has time to convince Arteta that he deserves a more prominent role.

His performances in the coming weeks could therefore be decisive in determining whether he can reclaim a regular place in the starting line-up.