Piers Morgan has claimed that Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres was effectively told to leave the club during the summer transfer window and feels 'disrespected' by the way he has been treated.
Gyokeres, who joined Arsenal in the summer of 2025 for £64 million, got his first minutes of the new season as a late substitute in Sunday's 2-1 win over Chelsea. The Sweden international failed to feature in Arsenal's first two games of the campaign.
Morgan says Gyokeres was 'deliberately benched'
Speaking on his Sports Uncensored show, Morgan claimed that Gyokeres was 'deliberately benched' in a bid to force him out of the club. 'Viktor Gyokeres has hardly had a kick since the season started and I was told on good authority that he was being deliberately benched,' Morgan said.
'Arsenal were going to try and trade him for Julian Alvarez and in the end they couldn't make that deal happen. I was told that Gyokeres is p****d off about the way he's been treated and feels he's been disrespected.'
Morgan added: 'I think that's undeniable but that it also shows the ruthless streak of Mikel Arteta which many Arsenal fans are quite happy to see.'
Failed swap deal for Julian Alvarez
Arsenal expressed interest in signing Julian Alvarez over the summer, with reports suggesting a possible swap deal involving Gyokeres could be on the cards. Morgan said he was 'told on good authority' that Arsenal did indeed intend to sell Gyokeres if they could agree a deal with Atletico Madrid for Alvarez.
However, Alvarez had reservations about returning to the Premier League and had his heart set on a move to La Liga rivals Barcelona, something Atletico immediately vetoed. As a result, the Argentine World Cup winner stayed in Madrid and Gyokeres remained at the Emirates Stadium, where he faces an uncertain future and the prospect of limited game-time.
Arsenal's interest in Vinicius Junior
Morgan, who was on the pitch after Arsenal's Premier League trophy lift back in May, also claims the Gunners 'thought' they were set to sign Vinicius Junior from Real Madrid. Arteta was interested in a stunning deal for the Brazil international, but Vinicius ended up signing a contract extension at the Spanish giants.
'I'm told Arsenal thought they had Vinicius Junior who would have been brilliant for us,' the broadcaster added. 'What I do know is Arsenal thought they had him and thought they had him until the day before he signed a new contract at Real Madrid.'
Morgan also claimed that Arsenal are bracing to go back into the market for a new striker in January. 'I'm told Arsenal are bracing to go back into the market for a new striker in January. They're going to go back in during the January window and get someone.'
Arsenal came from behind to beat Chelsea 2-1 on Sunday and maintain their perfect start to the season.
