A big European club is interested in Viktor Gyokeres as Arsenal’s transfer moves start to take shape.
Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres might leave the club this summer, as a European team has shown interest in him. The Swedish forward joined the Gunners from Sporting CP last summer for an initial fee of £55 million.
In his first season at the Emirates Stadium, Gyokeres scored 14 Premier League goals and helped Arsenal win the league title for the first time since 2004. Although he faced some criticism for his link-up play and missed involvement in some games, he still finished as Arsenal’s top scorer with 21 goals in all competitions.
This summer, Arsenal hasn’t clearly strengthened their attack, suggesting they want to keep Gyokeres. However, they have been looking for another striker. Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior and Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez were both targets, but Vinicius signed a new six-year deal with Real Madrid, and Barcelona is also trying to sign Alvarez.
According to Spanish outlet El Nacional, Barcelona’s sporting director Deco wants to stop the club from signing Alvarez because he’s very expensive. Deco had earlier suggested signing Joao Pedro from Chelsea, but he recently signed a new long-term contract with them. Now, Deco’s new plan focuses on signing a center-back like Aymeric Laporte and a striker.
Barcelona is exploring many options for a new number nine, including Gyokeres. They’re open to signing a player who may not be as big a star as Alvarez. Other names discussed are Ayoze Perez, Serhou Guirassy, and Lautaro Martinez.
If Barcelona signs Gyokeres, Arsenal could make a profit on their £62 million investment and use some of the money to go after Alvarez. Alvarez, who is contracted with Atletico until 2030, has asked for a transfer during this summer’s World Cup. After Argentina’s win over Austria, he said, “I talked with people at the club, and the best thing for everyone is a transfer. I want to follow my dream.”
Atletico’s CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin said they won’t sell Alvarez and set a very high price. It remains to be seen if Arsenal’s interest might change Atletico’s mind about selling the 26-year-old.