Gary Lineker predicts what’s next for Viktor Gyokeres after Arsenal outings

Gary Lineker has given his thoughts on Gyokeres’ early days at Arsenal during a recent episode of ‘The Rest Is Football’ podcast.

The former England striker believes the forward has already made a positive impact, even if the goals have not come as quickly as some might have hoped.

But despite the slow start in front of goal, the pundit feels it is only a matter of time before Gyokeres finds his rhythm.

“I also think that even though he’s not banged loads of goals in yet, but he’s got his fair share, Gyokeres, I think he gives them something different.

“He gives them a threat behind, which creates more space for the midfield and even the wide players, and he’s aggressive with his running and he likes to spin and he attacks the space in the box.

“The goals will come for him because with the service that I think he’ll inevitably get, particularly now Saka is back in the mix and looks like his old self after his injury.

“So I think it’s quite promising for Arsenal, I think we might be in this season for a really good title race.”

Kai Havertz’s injury return could boost Arsenal

Going into this season, Arteta surely did not expect to be without Kai Havertz for so long, leaving Gyokeres as his only option up front.

In a perfect scenario, Gyokeres would have been given more time to settle in, with the chance to pick and choose games that suited him best.

But with Havertz sidelined by a knee injury, Gyokeres has had to play every role expected of him – much like he did at Sporting.

Once the German is back in the squad, Gyokeres should get the occasional break. And there is a good chance Havertz will still be picked for big matches against sides like Liverpool and Manchester City.

In those fixtures, his ability to link up play remains unmatched. It is clear Arteta values what he brings beyond just goalscoring.

And let us not forget Gabriel Jesus will also be returning from injury later in the season.