Deeney claims Arsenal teammates 'don't trust' Gyokeres
Troy Deeney has made a pointed claim about Viktor Gyokeres' standing in the Arsenal dressing room, suggesting the striker's struggles run deeper than a simple dip in form.
Gyokeres arrived at the Emirates in the summer of 2025 as one of the most expensive signings on the continent, with the club confident they had landed a top class striker to sharpen their attacking options. So far, the Swede has struggled to make a consistent impact, and his second season is shaping up to be tougher than his first.
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He is receiving less game time than he did last term, and when he does feature, there appears to be a lack of understanding between him and his teammates, an issue that has limited his influence on matches and fuelled questions about how well he has adapted to Arsenal's style of play.
Deeney's comments
Speaking on the matter, as quoted by the Metro, Deeney said: โThey were trying to get him out the door, remember he didn't play until the window closed. So there was that moment for him where he was feeling unloved, unwanted; he's gone to Sweden, scored six in six, so he's got the confidence when he's away. But with Arsenal, and I say it week in, week out, but the other part to it is that the players don't trust him.โ
Deeney's remarks point to a situation that extends beyond individual form, suggesting Gyokeres' difficulties may be tied to his integration within the squad rather than simply his finishing or sharpness in front of goal.
What it means for Arsenal
If Deeney's assessment holds any weight, it presents a different kind of challenge for Mikel Arteta and his coaching staff. A lack of trust between teammates on the pitch is not something that can be fixed with extra finishing drills or video analysis alone; it requires time, consistent selection and match understanding to rebuild.
Arsenal invested heavily to bring Gyokeres in as a central figure in their attack, and a squad with the club's expectations needs that outlay to pay off. Unless the striker can build stronger relationships with those around him and regain his confidence in front of goal, question marks over his fit at Arsenal are likely to persist.
How Arteta manages the situation in the coming weeks, both in terms of selection and squad dynamics, could prove decisive in determining whether Gyokeres' second season turns a corner or continues on its current trajectory.
