Viktor Gyokeres, Arsenal fans and why Mikel Arteta is facing £64million demand

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Viktor Gyokeres has won the hearts and the minds of the Arsenal fan base. And it is easy to see why.

He is so committed, so determined and he gives absolutely everything on the pitch. That is why he has quickly become a firm favourite with the supporters and why he appears to be more popular than his rivals like Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and even Mikel Merino.

Gyokeres was signed for £64m to become Arsenal’s new No.9 and to score a hatful of goals after his incredibly prolific two years at Sporting Lisbon. You could argue that goals - or a lack of them - has been his weakest point because he has only scored six times since his summer arrival.

But Gyokeres is popular because he is like an old fashioned centre forward: Strong, a battering ram and determined to get stuck in. His mindset is incredible and unbreakable.

I admit I’ve not always understood it myself. But if you talk to the match-going fan - and I always do - they like him and chant his name because of what he brings to the party.

He works hard, presses and closes down opposing defenders. Yes, that’s the very least you expect. But he does offer Arsenal something a bit different. And he loves to feast on goals and penalty box opportunities.

Gyokeres has been out for a while after a hamstring issue but came on at Chelsea and made an impact. He slid in on Robert Sanchez, the Chelsea keeper, and had every right to do so even if he got booked for the challenge. It was a loose ball. He is hungry.

If that late cross from Piero Hincapie had reached him - rather than Jurrien Timber trying to get in on the act - then you would have backed him to score. That’s the belief people have in him as a goal scorer.

If he starts against Brentford on Wednesday night, he will bring a buzz to the occasion.

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This is not to say that Havertz is not a great option. In fact, it will surely be the case that Havertz is picked for certain games because he is silky, classy and holds the ball up so well. He is more of a footballer and Mikel Arteta loves his game intelligence.

It is such a shame he has been plagued by injuries. And Arsenal fans have almost forgotten what he is about.

Jesus is also back and available after that long-term knee injury. Now, the noises about him are so good. That he is hungry, super fit and really determined. He is such a skilful player. A great dribbler. Great technique. He was in good form when he got injured but now people have noticed that the lay-off has perhaps made him even more determined and fired up.

He scored in a behind-closed-doors game with Watford last week. Do not write him off. He will have something to offer this season.

Finally, Merino. Who could forget him? He has scored big goals this season - against Chelsea and at Newcastle - and has a sensational attitude. Only Arsenal could have three centre forwards - and for all of them to be injured for this past month. Step forward Merino.

But I think he is still so much better as a false nine - with the goal facing him - or, even more, as a midfielder.

Stats can tell you whatever you want them to. And it can be deceiving on Merino. He brings a lot to the pitch and has a big game mentality. As a goalscoring midfielder, he is superb.

What he cannot do as a centre forward is bring intensity, pressing and high energy. Even when he scored twice against Slavia Prague, he did not have his best game. Because he is not a centre forward.

There will be games where he is a great option as a false nine. He is a terrific midfielder. And a great squad member. What a leader and great influence. But he does a job as a striker. No more.

That is why Gyokeres remains the No.1 for so many fans. They chant his name and they love him. And it’s easy to see why even if, sometimes, the outside world does not quite understand. But the fans are always the best barometer.

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