'If You Can't Handle it, Go Elsewhere'- Arteta's Tough Love Message to Viktor Gyokeres After Slow Arsenal Start

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has delivered a firm message to striker Viktor Gyokeres, urging the Swedish forward to stay mentally strong amid a slow start to life in London.

Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Fulham, Arteta revealed details of a candid conversation he had with Gyokeres before signing him from Sporting CP, insisting that the pressure of being the club’s main striker demands resilience as well as goals.

“I told him in our first meeting: ‘The number nine I want is someone who, when they don’t score for six or eight games, can handle it. If not, you have to go somewhere else,’” Arteta said.

Gyokeres, who joined Arsenal after a record-breaking season in Portugal where he finished as Europe’s top scorer, has managed just three goals in ten appearances for the Gunners. However, the forward is currently enduring a six-game goal drought in all competitions — a streak that extends to eight when including Sweden’s international fixtures.

Despite the dry spell, Arteta was quick to defend the 26-year-old’s contribution, praising his all-round game and attitude.

“He brings so much to the team. Reviewing the games, I’m very pleased with what he’s offering,” Arteta explained. 

“The pressure will be there, the expectation will be there. If you wear the Arsenal number nine shirt, you have to be able to ask yourself: ‘If I don’t score for six games, am I a different player? Do I behave differently?’”

Arteta also stressed that Gyokeres’ role goes beyond simply putting the ball in the net, pointing to the Swede’s pressing, movement, and link-up play as vital components of Arsenal’s attacking structure.

“He gives us a lot more than goals. I want more than what he’s doing, of course, but when we get opportunities, it’s just about finishing them,” the Spaniard said. “I’m sure it will happen.”

The Arsenal boss, who has often emphasized mentality and character as key attributes in his squad, appears to be backing Gyökeres to emerge stronger from the challenge — much like several players who took time to adapt to his demanding system.

As Arsenal continue their push near the top of the Premier League table, Arteta’s faith in Gyökeres remains unshaken. His message was clear: pressure is part of the job — and those who can’t thrive under it don’t belong at Arsenal.