Gyokeres silences rumours as Arsenal eye six‑figure windfall
Viktor Gyokeres has dismissed speculation that he was set to leave Arsenal, insisting his future is settled at the club while the Gunners prepare for a six‑figure windfall from UEFA’s new Club Benefits Programme.
International break leaves Arsenal thin
Comments Sport Kasra Moradi Senior Sports Journalist 04:00, 30 Sep 2026 View 3 Images. Mikel Arteta’s side are currently on international duty, with a whopping 17 Gunners players called up for Nations League and other non‑European friendly fixtures. The break follows the Premier League champions’ first defeat of the season – a 3‑0 loss at Brighton – after a run of seven straight wins across four competitions.
Arteta will be eager to reunite with his squad ahead of Leeds United’s Premier League visit on 10 October. Fitness tests are pending for Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz, who picked up niggles during their Nations League outings.
Gyokeres rebuffs transfer speculation
Arsenal’s lengthy pursuit of Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez was public knowledge, and Gyokeres was mooted as a potential make‑weight should the 26‑year‑old have joined. Alvarez ultimately stayed at Atletico after a blocked move to Barcelona, leaving Gyokeres to shadow Havertz as Arteta’s second‑choice striker.
During the international break the Swede netted twice, yet he has logged only 29 minutes of Premier League action so far this season. He started the 1‑0 Champions League win over Napoli and completed the full 4‑2 Carabao Cup victory against Ipswich Town.
UEFA compensation to boost Arsenal finances
Arsenal are set to receive a share of a £27 million compensation package from UEFA’s Club Benefits Programme, which reimburses clubs for players’ participation in the 2024/25 Nations League and European qualifiers. The scheme distributes €3,845 (£3,296) per eligible appearance across 611 clubs in all member associations.
UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin said the programme “acknowledges the essential contribution that clubs add to the success of national team football”. Although Arsenal’s exact take is expected to be in the six‑figure range, the windfall will help the club ahead of the January transfer window.
Gyokeres said: “Of course, there was a lot of speculation. But I had a full pre‑season, and it felt good. I was fully focused on Arsenal. For me, staying was a given. I’m extremely happy at the club.” He added: “It’s clear that I want to play football and as much as possible. Hopefully that will come, too. You always want to be on the field as a football player. Of course you expect more playing time, but we have an extremely good squad with a lot of good players and have been doing well here at the start.”