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Paul Merson has explained why he reckons Arsenal's players "don't trust" Viktor Gyokeres, whilst former Gunners legend Ian Wright has delivered a message to the striker.

Gyokeres joined Arsenal last summer from Sporting Lisbon in a transfer valued at £64million (€73.5million) including add-ons, which concluded intense speculation connecting the Gunners with acquiring a centre forward.

Since arriving in north London, Gyokeres has netted 11 goals in all competitions, with just six in the Premier League this season.

Consequently, the Sweden international has, at times, faced criticism from pundits, with Merson the most recent to express his concerns.

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Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Merson has suggested that he doesn't believe Gyokeres is trusted by his Arsenal teammates, reports football.london.

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"I watch Gyokeres, Arsenal don't trust him, the players,” Merson said.

"They never pass to him, you watch him, next time he comes short they go 'no'.”

Wright, an Arsenal legend, appeared alongside Merson on the podcast and delivered a message to Gyokeres. Wright outlined what he believes Gyokeres needs to communicate to the Gunners dressing room which might improve his performances.

Wright asked: "Do you think it's because they are not used to him because they haven't had one [a striker] for so long?

"I've said I would be in the dressing room saying, 'When it's there, pass it to me, put it in the box'.

"This is what I am trying to explain, he's got to go in there, coming where he's come from and he's got to start pulling people apart. It's absolutely on him."

Merson finished by drawing comparisons between the service Gyokeres receives from the Arsenal squad in contrast to his strike partner, Gabriel Jesus.

"If you watch it, you'd be surprised, then when [Gabriel] Jesus comes on, they [Arsenal players] keep on giving it him all the time," Merson said.

"That's what I see from when I watch the game, he [Gyokeres] comes short and they never give him it. He makes some good runs as well.

"He's low [on confidence] at the moment but I don't think they trust him at all."

Gyokeres' next chance to score will arrive on Saturday when Arsenal welcome Sunderland in the Premier League.

Mikel Arteta and his side enter the fixture having defeated Chelsea to secure a spot in the Carabao Cup final, and will now be eager to claim victory against Sunderland and extend their six-point advantage at the summit of the table.