Morgan claims Arsenal deliberately left him out to facilitate a move for Alvarez

Piers Morgan has revealed what he described as a major piece of news about Arsenal's dressing room. He claimed that Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres was deliberately kept on the bench by the club during the summer window because Arsenal wanted to use him in a swap deal for Julian Alvarez.

"He was deliberately left out."

Morgan made the comments while appearing on the Football Uncensored program with Graeme Souness and Simon Jordan. He claimed that Arsenal's treatment of Gyökeres went beyond normal squad rotation.

"I learned from reliable sources that he was deliberately put on the bench because Arsenal planned to use him in a trade for Julian Alvarez," Morgan said on the program.

"In the end, the deal did not happen. Gyökeres was very angry about how he was treated. He felt he was disrespected, and I think that is undeniable."

Morgan added: "I also think this shows a ruthless side of Arteta, and many Arsenal fans will be happy to see that."

Why the deal did not happen

According to the original information, Arsenal did explore ways to sign Alvarez during the summer window, including the possibility of using Gyökeres in negotiations.

However, the deal was ultimately not completed. The Guardian reported that Arsenal missed out on Alvarez because the Argentine player made it clear late in the window that he did not intend to join the Gunners.

Gyökeres' situation did not happen without context. Although he scored 14 Premier League goals during Arsenal's 2025-26 title-winning campaign, he was behind Havertz at the start of the new season. Arsenal spent much of the summer window searching for another top attacking player, with Alvarez among their main targets, while Gyökeres was discussed as a possible part of a deal with Atletico Madrid.

Arteta needs to repair the relationship

If Morgan's information is accurate, Gyökeres has every reason to feel frustrated.

There is nothing unusual about Arsenal wanting to improve their squad, especially when a player of Alvarez's level becomes available. But trying to include a player in transfer negotiations while deliberately reducing his role will inevitably damage the relationship between both sides.

Arteta's ruthlessness helped the Gunners become champions, but managing players is equally important.

After Gabriel Jesus moved to Barcelona, Gyökeres and Havertz are the only two recognized natural center-forward options in the squad. Therefore, Arsenal cannot afford the cost of Gyökeres becoming mentally detached.

The transfer window has closed, Alvarez did not arrive, and Gyökeres remains an Arsenal player.

Now the responsibility falls on Arteta — he needs to make Gyökeres feel important again.