Mikel Arteta has insisted that he 'loves' Viktor Gyokeres and has said the out-of-favour Arsenal forward will get his chance this season.
Gyokeres has struggled for minutes this season and is yet to start a game in thePremier League. The Swedish striker has played only 80 minutes of league football across four substitute appearances.
Gyokeres was Arsenal's leading scorer last season with 21 goals in 55 appearances, and has been linked with an exit amid his lack of football.
The 28-year-old came off the bench and provided an assist during Arsenal's 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich in the Champions League in midweek, and Arteta has insisted that Gyokeres has a role to play this season.
Speaking at hispre-game press conference ahead of today's clash with Everton, Arteta declared his affection for both Kai Havertz and Gyokeres as centre-forward options.
Arsenal go into the game in strong form, having won 11 of their first 13 competitive matches this season, including six out of seven in thePremier League.
Arteta backs out-of-favour Gyokeres: “I love him” as Arsenal striker waits for his chance
Asked about his options in attack, Arteta spoke warmly about both players and the bond he shares with them.
"I love Kai Havertz, I love Viktor Gyökeres a lot. He has a very different character to Kai, but he's someone that you really feel close to. He's a very important player for the team, and he will have his chance."
Arteta also addressed David Raya's recent comments, after the Spain goalkeeper said he would like to play in La Liga at some point in his career. The Arsenal boss joked that Raya "has to play in Spain at some point... on the beach with his friends, in the summer", before adding: "But for the next few years, he needs to play here for Arsenal!"