Arteta admits new Arsenal man has created a ‘good problem’ before Man United clash

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Arsenal fans are hoping their side’s summer spending can help bring success to the North London club this season, with a number of new faces available to Mikel Arteta in 2025-26.

While the signings of Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Christian Norgaard have all been recognised as shrewd business, it is the addition of another Arsenal player that has the fans excited.

Arsenal signed Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon earlier in the summer, with high hopes the prolific hitman can fire the Gunners to silverware.

Gyokeres scored against Athletic Bilbao in a friendly on Saturday and is in the running to start for the Emirates Stadium outfit in next weekend’s Premier League opener against Manchester United.

Gyokeres provides Arteta with ‘good problem’

With Gabriel Jesus struggling with injuries last season, versatile attacker Kai Havertz was the player most often selected as the central striker in Arteta’s 4-3-3 system.

However, the Germany international will have stiff competition in his quest to continue in the role, with Gyokeres signed for big money in an attempt to bring more goals to the Arsenal side.

Speaking after Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Bilbao on Saturday in which both attackers scored, Arteta admitted having two international-quality number nines available for the trip to Old Trafford was a good position to be in.

“It’s great to see both of them scoring. It’s a good problem to have,” he said, according to Sky Sports.

“We are developing certain connections with the new players. It was very good. Kai Havertz came in and I think the goal he scored was top, as well.

“Raising the level of everybody is going to really help us, because at that level, we are going to need our very best from everybody.”

Arteta went on to praise Gyokeres, stating the Sweden international could ‘destroy’ teams in the Premier League if given space and time.

“Everything he does is on instinct. That’s why he’s scored so many in the last few seasons,” the Spanish manager said.

“I think his goals, his threat.

“He pins both centre backs. He is a player that the moment you leave him with space one-on-one, he is going to destroy you. He’s going to create a lot of space for us as well.

“In any moment or situation, he is a player that can score a goal.”

Gyokeres or Havertz vs United?

Every top team has a number of options in each position and Arsenal will need both Gyokeres and Havertz as they compete on four fronts in 2025-26.

Havertz scored nine Premier League goals last season, but the Gunners did not have a player among the top 10 goalscorers in the division in 2024-25.

Arsenal have spent a considerable fee to bring Gyokeres to North London and the Scandinavian forward will surely lead the line against United next Sunday.

Havertz clearly has a role to play at Arsenal and his versatility will be invaluable as fixtures pile up for the Gunners.

However, it is clear Arsenal have pinned their hopes on Gyokeres being a striker that can score 20+ goals this season – something the London club will need if they are to win silverware and have a successful campaign.