Arsenal receive Viktor Gyokeres verdict as transfer talk refuses to go away

Arsenal have learned Viktor Gyokeres produced an “outstanding” second-half performance to help Sweden beat Poland in the Nations League.

The 28-year-old has endured a difficult start to the season with the Gunners, with the striker yet to feature from the get-go in the Premier League.

Gyokeres started the wins over Napoli and Ipswich Town in the Champions League and Carabao Cup respectively - without finding the back of the net.

However, it is a completely different story on the international front, with Gyokeres having scored in successive games for Sweden.

The forward used his goal against Romania last Friday as a platform to build on against Poland, netting in the second half as Sweden recorded back-to-back wins.

And the Arsenal hitman has received the praise of Sweden head coach Graham Potter after an impressive display in his homeland.

In quotes carried by Swedish outlet Fotbollskanalen, Potter said: "I thought he was outstanding in the second half. What we did better in the second half was recognising when he was in a one-on-one situation.

“Even if he doesn't clearly win the initial duel, you can win the second ball. You can attack large spaces. You can build play through the midfield or the centre-backs. It’s great having him; he gives you an outlet.

“Opposing defenders have to be wary in one-on-one situations against Viktor - good luck to them! Because it’s not easy.

“Viktor needs to buy into that too - when there’s open space and the responsibility is placed on him, just like with anyone else in the world.”

Gyokeres has been linked with Atletico Madrid & AC Milan

Despite scoring 21 goals in all competitions last season, there was loose speculation over Gyokeres’ future at Arsenal in the summer.

There were tentative reports suggesting he could be involved in a lucrative swap deal with Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, which never came to pass.

And there continues to be whispers of a potential move to AC Milan one day - despite the fact the Serie A giants signed Goncalo Ramos in the summer.

Potter has suggested Gyokeres could be handed a rest when Sweden travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Nations League on Friday.

Sweden then travel to Romania on Monday, 5 October before Gyokeres will return to Arsenal ahead of their league game against Leeds United five days later.