Arsenal ready to consider January sale of Viktor Gyokeres

Viktor Gyokeres is seeking a January move away from Arsenal after falling out of the starting picture, with the club understood to be prepared to consider a mid-season sale as they weigh up another forward signing.

Why Gyokeres’ situation matters at Arsenal

The Sweden international arrived from Sporting CP for £60m in 2025 and made a major impact in his first season, scoring 21 goals as Arsenal won the title and reached the Champions League final. His place has nevertheless become uncertain this term, with Kai Havertz now established as Mikel Arteta’s preferred central striker.

Detail Figure or status
Gyokeres’ Arsenal signing £60m from Sporting CP in 2025
Goals in title-winning season 21
Premier League starts this season 0
Sweden Nations League goals 4

The 28-year-old’s failure to begin a Premier League fixture this season has intensified his frustration. Although he has continued to score for Sweden, including four Nations League goals, he has struggled to dislodge Havertz during a congested domestic programme.

Arsenal’s interest in Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez during the summer also unsettled Gyokeres. Alvarez’s mooted switch to Barcelona did not materialise, but Arsenal’s continued pursuit of a high-profile attacking addition has reinforced the view that Gyokeres is not guaranteed a leading role in Arteta’s plans.

Andrea Berta selected Gyokeres ahead of Benjamin Sesko, who subsequently joined Manchester United, and Arsenal repeatedly defended that decision during the striker’s productive debut campaign. The club could now use funds from a sale to support their next recruitment at centre-forward.

Interest is beginning to build

Gyokeres’ representatives have started sounding out possible options across Europe ahead of the January window. Atletico Madrid remain attentive after holding discussions in the summer, while clubs in the Premier League, Serie A and Bundesliga are also monitoring the striker’s availability.

A departure could suit both player and club if his role does not change before the window opens. Arsenal must balance any transfer decision with the demands of the title race, while Arteta looks to preserve momentum and squad focus through the winter period.

What remains unresolved

No destination has been agreed and Gyokeres still faces the possibility of forcing his way back into Arsenal’s plans. If he remains outside the Premier League starting line-up, however, talks with interested clubs are expected to accelerate in the coming weeks.

Marcus Chen covers world soccer for berkeleyhistoricalsociety.org — club news, transfers, and the people who drive the game from week to week. His reporting ranges across the Premier League and Champions League, Serie A, the Bundesliga and Ligue 1, plus the U.S. game and World Cup cycles. He came up on football desks at newspapers and specialist sites, where the job was simple: get the facts straight, then explain what they mean for the club and the supporters. The pieces here are written the same way — match reaction, transfer notes, interviews and features that stay close to the pitch.