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Olivier Giroud says how he really feels about Viktor Gyokeres after seeing him for Arsenal this season

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Viktor Gyokeres will be happy with his first season as an Arsenal player and former Gunner Olivier Giroud has been singing his praises.

Giroud ended up becoming a much-loved striker at The Emirates after a difficult start to his career.

Gyokeres has followed a similar path and up to Christmas, many Arsenal fans were questioning if the Swedish striker would be the man to fire them to success.

Since then, Gyokeres has been impressive and no striker in England has scored more since the turn of the year.

Indeed, according to Giroud, Gyokeres needs all the time he can to keep getting better and better.

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A graphic of Arsenal's predicted XI vs PSG in the Champions League final
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Olivier Giroud gives his verdict on Viktor Gyokeres

Gyokeres has scored 20 goals this season and he’ll be desperate to make it at least 21 during this weekend’s Champions League final.

And speaking about Gyokeres’ first season as a Gunner, Frenchman Giroud has compared his own situation at Arsenal to that of the Swede.

Viktor Gyokeres ahead of Arsenal FC v Atletico de Madrid - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Semi Final Second Leg
Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images

“First of all, Gyokeres, for me, is a great striker. When I first arrived at Arsenal, Arsene gave me time to adapt, he gave me confidence, it was not easy because Robin van Persie just left,” Giroud said.

“I needed time, confidence, Arsene gave it to me, and I think Arteta is doing the same with Gyokeres. I think he can fit well for the club, I don’t know if he will play the final, but I wish them will vs PSG.”

With Gyokeres facing a battle with Kai Havertz to start against PSG this weekend, it’s intriguing to see what Mikel Arteta will go with.

At the minute, most Arsenal fans would probably argue that Gyokeres is the man to go with.

But as we’ve seen, Havertz has got the nod in some big games this season as well.

Ultimately, it could be a decision that makes or breaks the final.