Viktor Gyökeres faces an increasingly precarious future at Arsenal, with the Sweden striker struggling to establish himself as a consistent starter under Mikel Arteta. Having signed from Sporting CP in 2025, Gyökeres has seen his position in the attacking hierarchy diminish significantly this season, falling behind Kai Havertz, who has become the preferred option for his ability to link play and facilitate team movement.
Reports indicate that Arsenal are only likely to consider a sale for the 28-year-old in 2027 if they have already secured a high-quality replacement. While Gyökeres provided a return of 21 goals in 55 appearances during his debut campaign, he has yet to open his account this term, and recent tactical analysis from former Liverpool midfielder Charlie Adam on BBC Radio 5 Live highlights the mismatch between Gyökeres’ desire for space to run into and Arteta’s system, which often demands a striker hold the ball up with their back to goal.
Data-Driven Targets and Long-Shot Aspirations
As the club evaluates the market, analytical data from SciSports has been used to identify profiles that could theoretically offer an upgrade or a better tactical fit. Among the players highlighted as potential, albeit varied, solutions are Rasmus Højlund, Thierno Barry, and Igor Thiago. Of these, Barry and Thiago are viewed as more realistic prospects, particularly given Barry’s work rate, which aligns with the intensity expected under Arteta.
However, the club’s search also includes dream targets that present significant logistical and financial hurdles. Julian Alvarez remains a player of interest following Arsenal’s summer explorations to bring the Atletico Madrid forward back to the Premier League. While the Gunners held discussions about a potential swap involving Gyökeres, the deal did not materialize, and the player has since refocused on his duties in Spain.
The Manchester City Contingency
Erling Haaland sits at the top of the speculative list for a hypothetical Gyökeres replacement, though any move for the Manchester City striker remains purely circumstantial. Interest in Haaland is contingent on potential punishments arising from Manchester City’s ongoing legal battle regarding financial rule breaches. Should the outcome of those proceedings lead to severe sanctions, including relegation, market observers anticipate that high-profile departures would become inevitable. While Arsenal would likely join a queue of elite suitors should such a scenario unfold, it remains a distant prospect rather than a near-term objective.
Meanwhile, the club continues to monitor younger prospects such as Monza forward Gustavo Varela. Reports from Italy, relayed by FourFourTwo, suggest that while Arsenal are tracking the 21-year-old, competition for his signature is fierce, with clubs like Napoli currently considered to be leading the race for a potential transfer.
