Micah Richards Warns Arsenal Could Sell Viktor Gyokeres

Micah Richards has questioned Viktor Gyokeres’ future at Arsenal, suggesting the Premier League club may eventually have to sell the 28-year-old striker if he cannot rediscover his confidence and improve his performances. The former Manchester City defender believes the Swedish forward has received enough opportunities at the Emirates Stadium to demonstrate his ability, but his recent displays have raised concerns.

Richards made his comments after Gyokeres scored his first goal of the season in Arsenal’s 1-1 draw against Fleetwood Town in the Carabao Cup. Although the striker found the net, the Gunners suffered a disappointing elimination after losing 5-3 on penalties to the League Two side.

Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Richards suggested that Gyokeres needs a consistent run of full matches to rebuild his confidence. However, he also warned that Arsenal cannot continue relying on the striker indefinitely if his performances fail to improve.

Micah Richards Questions Viktor Gyokeres’ Confidence at Arsenal

Gyokeres arrived at Arsenal with significant expectations, but his current campaign has not developed as hoped. His first goal of the season against Fleetwood Town offered some encouragement, yet the overall performance has not been enough to silence questions about his form.

Richards admitted that he had never expected the Swedish international to become a striker who regularly scored 25 or 30 goals for Arsenal. However, he believes the forward now needs to show more after spending considerable time at the club.

Speaking on the podcast, Richards said:

“When he first arrived, I was saying to the Arsenal fans, ‘Don’t expect him to be scoring 25 and 30 goals’.

The former England international then expressed concern about Gyokeres’ current mental state, suggesting that the striker appears to be struggling with confidence.

“He sort of looks like he has no confidence. I don’t know if the reports in the summer that they tried to get rid of him [were true] or not, but essentially he’s had enough game time to show what he can do now at Arsenal and it’s just not happening for him.”

Richards’ comments highlight the growing pressure on Gyokeres to produce consistent performances. While scoring against Fleetwood was a positive moment, Arsenal will expect considerably more from a forward operating at the highest level of English Football.

Richards Believes Gyokeres Needs More 90-Minute Opportunities

Despite questioning the striker’s performances, Richards has not completely dismissed the possibility of a turnaround. He believes Gyokeres could benefit from being given the opportunity to play an entire match, score a goal and gradually rebuild his confidence.

Limited playing time can make it difficult for a forward to establish rhythm, particularly when regular opportunities are needed to develop an understanding with teammates and become comfortable in attacking situations.

Richards suggested that Arsenal should consider giving Gyokeres a full 90 minutes rather than judging him solely on shorter appearances. A complete performance could help the striker regain his sharpness and provide the confidence required to contribute more consistently.

However, the former Manchester City defender also made it clear that patience cannot continue indefinitely if the situation does not improve.

“And I just feel like he needs one of those opportunities where he plays 90 minutes, he scores, he builds confidence, and it goes from there. Otherwise, you know, they’re going to have to look to move him on.”

The message from Richards is therefore two-sided: Arsenal should give Gyokeres a genuine opportunity to rediscover his best form, but the club may eventually need to consider a transfer if he cannot meet expectations.

Arsenal’s Summer Transfer Plans Raised Questions About Gyokeres

Questions about Gyokeres’ long-term position at Arsenal also follow reports surrounding the club’s transfer plans during the summer. Arsenal’s stated position was that the striker was not for sale, but there were reports that the club were interested in signing Julian Alvarez.

The Atletico Madrid forward was reportedly a target as Arsenal considered their attacking options. However, Alvarez ultimately remained at Atletico after failing to secure his preferred move to Barcelona.

The reported interest in another high-profile striker inevitably creates further discussion about Arsenal’s attacking plans. Competition for places is an important part of building a squad capable of challenging for major trophies, but Gyokeres will need to deliver performances that justify his position in Mikel Arteta’s team.

Richards’ suggestion that Arsenal could eventually move the Swede on is an opinion about what the club may need to consider if his form does not improve. It does not establish that Arsenal have decided to sell him or that a transfer is currently being arranged.

Viktor Gyokeres’ Arsenal Record Since Joining in 2025

Gyokeres’ first season at Arsenal was considerably more productive than his current campaign. The striker scored 21 goals and registered three assists in 55 appearances across all competitions during the previous season.

His contribution included 14 Premier League goals, helping Arsenal secure the league title and reach the Champions League final. Those numbers demonstrated his ability to make an impact in important competitions and offered encouragement about his potential as the club’s attacking option.

His performances during that campaign also provided the foundation for expectations surrounding his role in the squad. However, his reduced involvement and limited attacking output this season have created a different picture.

The contrast between his first campaign and the current one is particularly noticeable when looking at his playing time and shooting statistics.

Gyokeres’ Premier League and Champions League Numbers This Season

According to the supplied statistics, Gyokeres has played just 148 minutes in the Premier League this season and has registered only one shot. His involvement in the Champions League has also been limited, with the striker failing to record an attempt on goal during 160 minutes of action.

There is, however, one positive aspect to his contribution. Gyokeres has registered an assist in both the Premier League and Champions League, showing that he has still been able to contribute to Arsenal’s attacking play even without scoring regularly.

The limited number of minutes makes it difficult to draw definitive conclusions about his overall ability. Nevertheless, the lack of shooting opportunities will concern Arsenal supporters, particularly given the importance of having a reliable goalscorer in a team competing for major honours.

For a striker, confidence often plays a significant role in decision-making inside the penalty area. A player who is struggling to score may become hesitant in front of goal, while regular appearances and successful attacking moments can help restore belief.

That is precisely the type of improvement Richards wants to see from Gyokeres. The former Manchester City defender believes a full match and a goal could provide the starting point for a stronger run of performances.

Arsenal Remain in the Premier League Title Race

Despite the disappointing Carabao Cup exit, Arsenal remain in a strong position in the Premier League. Mikel Arteta’s side have collected 21 points from their opening eight league matches and sit second in the standings, behind Manchester City on goal difference.

The Gunners’ league position means they remain firmly involved in the title race, but the upcoming fixtures will provide further tests of their consistency and attacking strength.

Arsenal are scheduled to travel to Liverpool on Sunday in a significant Premier League encounter. The match represents another opportunity for Arteta’s team to maintain pressure at the top of the table while continuing their pursuit of another successful campaign.

Gyokeres’ role will remain an important talking point as Arsenal prepare for the challenge. Whether he receives more opportunities to play from the start or continues to feature in a limited role, his performances could influence the debate about the club’s attacking options.

What Happens Next for Viktor Gyokeres at Arsenal?

Gyokeres now faces an important period in his Arsenal career. His first-season record showed that he can contribute goals and assists across competitions, but he needs to reproduce that level of influence to strengthen his position in Arteta’s plans.

Richards believes the striker deserves an opportunity to play a full match and rebuild his confidence. At the same time, his warning about a possible departure reflects the expectations placed on players at a club competing for the biggest trophies.

Scoring against Fleetwood could provide a small confidence boost, although Arsenal’s penalty-shootout elimination meant the night ended in disappointment for the team. The striker will need to build on that goal with more consistent contributions in the matches ahead.

For now, there is no confirmation that Arsenal intend to sell Gyokeres. Richards has simply made his position clear: if the 28-year-old cannot turn his situation around after receiving further opportunities, the Gunners may have to consider moving him on.