Piers Morgan says an Arsenal player feels “disrespected” by Mikel Arteta after being pushed into a transfer.
Piers Morgan has spoken out about how Mikel Arteta is handling one of Arsenal’s star players, saying the player feels “disrespected” by recent decisions.
Arsenal have had a great start to their Premier League title defense, winning all three of their opening games, including a win against London rivals Chelsea.
But not every player at Arsenal is happy with how the season’s begun. Morgan, who is both a fan and a journalist, says he’s heard that Viktor Gyokeres isn’t pleased with how he’s been treated.
Gyokeres joined Arsenal last summer in a £64 million move from Sporting, and in his first Premier League season, he scored an impressive 14 goals. However, this season he’s been left out more often.
The 28-year-old only made his first appearance this season as a late substitute in the win over Chelsea and didn’t play at all in the first two league games.
Morgan says Arteta’s decision to bench Gyokeres was on purpose, to try to push through a swap deal for Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid — a deal that never happened. Gyokeres wasn’t happy about it.
“Viktor Gyokeres barely got a chance to play since the season started,” Morgan said on *Sports Uncensored.*
“I was told he was being benched on purpose because Arsenal wanted to trade him for Julian Alvarez, but the deal didn’t go through. Gyokeres is upset about how he’s been treated and feels disrespected.”
Over the summer, Arsenal were linked with Alvarez, who seemed keen on moving to Barcelona instead. In the end, Alvarez stayed at Atletico Madrid, so Arsenal signed Kai Havertz, who has started all three league games so far.
Despite how tough Arsenal’s transfer moves were, Morgan says many fans back Arteta’s tough approach.
“I don’t think there’s any doubt about it, but it shows Mikel Arteta’s ruthless side — which many Arsenal fans actually like to see,” Morgan added.
Havertz has had a pretty good start with two goals in three league games. But Arsenal might still be looking for another striker soon. Morgan says the club is already planning for January’s transfer window.
“I’m told Arsenal are ready to go back to the market for a new striker in January,” he said.
“They’re planning to find someone in the January window.”
It’s likely the Alvarez name will come up again, but it’s not clear if he’ll still be the main target or if another player will take his place as the season goes on.