“Bought for a World-Record Fee but Now One of the Worst Signings in Our History, I’ll Never Forget What Mikel Arteta Has Done”: Arsenal Owner Stan Kroenke Angered by Mikel Arteta’s Summer Signing, Demands His Removal from the Squad

Arsenal’s summer signing Viktor Gyökeres is once again under the spotlight, and not for the reasons fans had hoped. The Swedish striker, brought in for a world-record fee from Sporting Lisbon, has struggled to live up to expectations, leaving Arsenal’s hierarchy — and particularly owner Stan Kroenke — deeply frustrated. Reports now suggest that Kroenke has grown impatient with the 28-year-old’s underwhelming performances and has demanded that manager Mikel Arteta take drastic action.

Since arriving at the Emirates Stadium, Gyökeres has scored just three goals in ten appearances — a far cry from the prolific form that made him one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards last season. His struggles have become a growing concern within the club, with Arteta’s decision to push for his signing now coming under intense scrutiny.

Tensions reached boiling point this week after Gyökeres endured another disappointing outing for Sweden during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Switzerland. Despite starting alongside Liverpool’s Alexander Isak, the Arsenal striker failed to register a single shot on target, prompting criticism from Swedish media, who described his display as “resigned and awkward.”

Sweden went on to lose 2–0 to Switzerland, with former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka opening the scoring from the penalty spot before Johan Manzambi sealed the victory late in stoppage time. For Gyökeres, the game was yet another reminder of how far his confidence has fallen since joining Arsenal.

Local publication Svenska Fans wrote that the forward “does not seem to believe in himself anymore,” while adding that his body language reflected frustration and uncertainty. “His form has been waning lately. It feels so resigned and awkward,” the outlet commented, echoing the sentiments of many fans who are losing patience with the striker’s lack of impact.

Interestingly, despite the criticism, Gyökeres still managed to create one major chance and completed two key passes during the match — showing flashes of his old self. Swedish outlet Fotbollskanalen offered a more balanced assessment, suggesting that while he struggled to deliver in decisive moments, his link-up play with Isak and Lucas Bergvall was promising.

Back at Arsenal, however, the atmosphere is far less forgiving. Stan Kroenke reportedly sees the Gyökeres deal as one of the biggest mistakes of Arteta’s tenure, given the financial outlay and minimal return so far. The American owner is said to have expressed his disappointment directly to the Arsenal board, labeling the transfer “a poor investment” and questioning Arteta’s insistence on finalizing the deal despite alternative options being available.

Inside sources suggest that Kroenke has instructed the management team to review the striker’s position in the squad if his form does not improve before January. Some reports even claim the Arsenal board could explore a loan move or potential replacement, particularly with the club’s ambitions to challenge for the Premier League and Champions League titles this season.

Gyökeres’ struggles have also had a ripple effect on Arsenal’s overall attacking balance. The Gunners, once fluid and efficient in the final third, have often looked disjointed this season. The Swedish forward’s failure to convert key chances has cost Arsenal valuable points in tight matches, further increasing the pressure on Arteta to find quick solutions.

Meanwhile, Alexander Isak’s situation adds another layer to the debate. The Liverpool forward, who once looked like a potential Arsenal target, also endured a frustrating night alongside Gyökeres but showed more sharpness in attack, striking the post and creating opportunities. Isak was rated 6.5 by SofaScore, while Gyökeres earned a slightly higher 7.2 — a rating many fans considered overly generous.

Sweden’s defeat leaves them bottom of Group B in the qualifiers, with just one point from three games — a reflection of how both Gyökeres and Isak have struggled to carry their domestic form into international duty. For Arsenal, though, the issue cuts deeper. The club’s record investment in Gyökeres is quickly turning into a nightmare, and the pressure from ownership is intensifying.

Mikel Arteta now finds himself in a difficult position. Once praised for his vision and recruitment strategy, the Arsenal boss faces renewed questions about his transfer judgment. While he remains confident that Gyökeres will eventually adapt to the Premier League, patience is wearing thin among supporters and senior executives alike.

If Gyökeres fails to rediscover his form soon, it could mark a major turning point in Arteta’s reign at Arsenal. The relationship between manager and ownership appears strained, and the fallout from this transfer could shape the club’s next phase — both in terms of strategy and leadership.

As one source close to the club reportedly said: “Kroenke believes Arsenal should be competing for trophies, not making excuses for players who cost over £100 million. He wants results — and soon.