Arteta's Arsenal Squad Dilemma: Gyokeres Joins Fierce Striker Battle

Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres will hope to lead the club to silverware this season for the first time since 2019 (Image: Yong Teck Lim, Getty Images)

Mikel Arteta has been warned he faces his toughest challenge yet this season managing his strengthened Arsenal squad.

The Spaniard has splashed out more than £200million during the summer transfer window as he seeks to reinforce his team in pursuit of Premier League and Champions League success.

The capture of Viktor Gyokeres represents the latest recruit for the north London outfit and one that supporters will hope addresses their striking concerns. The Swede - who will wear the iconic number 14 shirt for his new employers - netted 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting CP and arrives with enormous pressure to deliver trophies for Arsenal.

Despite the excitement surrounding the 27-year-old, his position as Arteta's central striker will face fierce competition. Former Arsenal midfielder Anders Limpar has cautioned that players like Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, and Mikel Merino will ensure the Swedish star remains sharp if he fails to hit the ground running.

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," added Limpar, who spent four years at Highbury, reports the Mirror .

Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz will be Viktor Gyokeres' main competition this season (Image: GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

"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 managed to bring greater quality into his squad, but this creates challenges, according to Limpar, who acknowledged the Gunners manager will need to handle 11 discontented players who will become frustrated by limited opportunities.

"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."

Mikel Merino scored nine goals for Arsenal last season (Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Given Arsenal's persistent pursuit of Gyokeres, it's clear how highly they rate him. Arteta pinpointed exactly what makes him stand out when discussing the completion of the transfer. "We're absolutely delighted to welcome Viktor Gyokeres 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."