Viktor Gyökeres Open to January Arsenal Exit Amid Limited Role

January planning is beginning to take shape across Europe, with Arsenal’s Viktor Gyökeres reportedly considering his future after a limited start to the season and Manchester United assessing defensive reinforcements following renewed scrutiny of the squad’s investment and depth.

Gyökeres faces a decision over Arsenal role

Gyökeres is said to be open to a January departure in pursuit of regular football, little more than a year after Arsenal paid £55 million to sign him from Sporting CP. The Sweden international has made three Premier League appearances this term, each as a substitute, despite returning 21 goals in all competitions for the Gunners last season.

Atlético Madrid have been identified as a possible destination, while clubs in Italy, Germany and Spain are also understood to be monitoring the 28-year-old’s situation. Any move would depend on Arsenal’s willingness to sanction the exit of a forward who made a significant contribution during the previous campaign.

United’s winter focus turns to the back line

Manchester United are expected to examine the market for central defenders and left-backs in January. Their recruitment has concentrated on attacking and midfield areas over the past two summers, but the defensive unit has come under increasing pressure after a difficult opening to the campaign.

Lisandro Martínez has added to the debate around the club’s level of investment, while the available budget for a winter deal remains uncertain. United’s priority is expected to be a defender capable of making an immediate difference rather than a longer-term project signing.

1. Arsenal signed Gyökeres from Sporting CP for £55 million just over a year ago.
2. He scored 21 times across all competitions last season but has been limited to three league substitute appearances this term.
3. Manchester United strengthened their attack and midfield in successive summer windows before shifting attention towards defensive needs.
4. January could therefore bring decisions on Gyökeres’ Arsenal future and United’s efforts to add at the back.

Liverpool weigh Kalulu option as Milan assess replacements

Liverpool are keeping Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu under consideration for January. The 26-year-old’s capacity to operate at centre-back or right-back is viewed as an important attraction, although Juventus are in a strong position: Kalulu is contracted until 2029 and has appeared in every match this season.

AC Milan, meanwhile, are assessing centre-back options after Matteo Gabbia suffered a hamstring tear expected to keep him out for at least three months. Sporting CP’s Gonçalo Inácio, 25, has been contacted, though his club would seek more than €40 million. Bayern Munich’s Kim Min-jae is also on Milan’s list, with the South Korean defender entering the final two years of his contract.

Premier League clubs monitor Göteborg teenager

Arsenal and Chelsea are among the English clubs watching IFK Göteborg midfielder Oliver Mansson. The 17-year-old has played 17 matches in all competitions this season, including 13 in the Allsvenskan, during his breakthrough year.

Mansson is tied to Göteborg until 2028. He cannot formally join a Premier League club before next August, when he turns 18, meaning any interest is likely to develop over a longer timeframe rather than become an immediate January deal.

Other winter market situations to watch

• Tottenham Hotspur and AC Milan are following Freiburg and Japan forward Yuito Suzuki, 24, who is valued at €28 million.
• Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid are monitoring Toulouse goalkeeper Guillaume Restes, with the 21-year-old viewed as a potential long-term addition.
• Tottenham are not believed to be worried by James Maddison’s position despite questions after his recent long-term injuries. The 29-year-old is under contract until 2028.
• Juventus could consider AS Monaco and United States forward Folarin Balogun after his proposed late-summer move to Everton did not go through.
• Benfica have registered interest in Rennes striker Esteban Lepaul, whose potential fee could fall between €50 million and €60 million.
• Roma are not expected to revive their pursuit of Real Madrid forward Endrick in January after an unsuccessful summer loan attempt. José Mourinho’s position on keeping him, together with Endrick’s wish to establish himself in Madrid, leaves Roma looking elsewhere.
• Liverpool are unlikely to pursue Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott in January, with a £100 million valuation making a deal difficult to justify.

Key takeaways

• Gyökeres’ lack of starts has created uncertainty around Arsenal’s forward depth ahead of January.
• United’s recruitment team are evaluating immediate defensive solutions, particularly at centre-back and left-back.
• Liverpool’s interest in Kalulu reflects the premium on defenders who can cover multiple roles.
• Milan’s search has been accelerated by Gabbia’s projected three-month absence.
• Several leading clubs are also positioning themselves early for younger targets, including Mansson and Restes.