Viktor Gyokeres is determined to reignite his Arsenal challenge with goals as they face Leeds United at Elland Road. The Swedish international is eager to make an impact after a somewhat challenging start to his Arsenal career.
Arsenal's title aspirations recently suffered a setback with a 3-2 defeat against Manchester United at the Emirates. The Gunners have not won in their past three league matches, but still hold a four-point lead over Manchester City and Aston Villa. Gyokeres is aiming to help his team get their title charge back on track.
Gyokeres previously scored twice against Leeds in a 5-0 victory at the Emirates earlier in the season. He also scored in Arsenal's recent Champions League win over Kairat, marking his tenth goal of the season in all competitions. He is now Arsenal's joint top-goalscorer alongside Gabriel Martinelli.
Despite those goals, Gyokeres's transfer value has slightly declined since joining Arsenal, falling from £65.2 million to £60.8 million, according to Transfermarkt. Arsenal signed him from Sporting CP for an initial £55 million, with potential bonuses of around £8.6 million. There are reports that Arsenal may look to bolster their frontline in the summer transfer window, with Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez mentioned as a potential target due to Gyokeres's inconsistent performances.
Gyokeres has expressed his excitement about playing at Elland Road, despite never having played there before. He anticipates a "rocking" atmosphere and is looking forward to the challenge. "I look forward to every game. It will be a tough away game, but we obviously hope to perform well and to get all three points," Gyokeres said. "I just try to do my best and take my chances".
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta faces a selection dilemma for the match against Leeds, with Kai Havertz also in contention to lead the attack after a strong performance against Kairat. Havertz scored a goal and provided an assist in that game, making a case for his inclusion in the starting lineup.
Arsenal have been drawn against Atalanta, Bayer Leverkusen, Olympiacos, or Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League last 16. Gyokeres said, "It's always fun when you come to the knockout phase, and to get closer to where we want to end in this tournament, so it's exciting times".
