Arsenal striker Viktor Gyökeres is facing an uncertain future at the Emirates Stadium just one year after his £64m transfer from Sporting CP, according to reports. The 26-year-old Sweden international, who scored 21 goals in all competitions during his debut campaign, has been relegated to the sidelines at the start of the current season. He did not play a single minute in Arsenal's opening two Premier League fixtures against Coventry City and Aston Villa, with manager Mikel Arteta opting for Kai Havertz in the central attacking role instead.
Pundit criticism and Toney swap speculation
This sudden lack of playing time has fueled intense speculation about Gyökeres' tactical fit under Arteta. Speaking on talkSPORT, pundit Troy Deeney claimed that the Swede "is lucky to be" at Arsenal, though he suggested Gyökeres might see more minutes now that the summer transfer window is closed. Meanwhile, former defender Jamie Carragher, speaking on Football365, argued that Gyökeres is "never taking Havertz’s place" due to the extremely high standards required to lead the line for the Gunners.
Amidst these struggles, uncorroborated reports compiled by Football365 suggest Arsenal have discussed a sensational January swap deal that would see Gyökeres move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli, with England forward Ivan Toney heading to north London. However, these claims remain highly speculative. There is a massive disparity in valuation between the two players; Gyökeres is valued in the region of €65m, whereas Toney is valued at around €20m. A transfer of this nature would also face significant wage hurdles, and there is currently no confirmation from named insiders that any advanced negotiations have taken place.
Arteta's stance and the Arsenal squad depth
Despite the persistent transfer rumours, Mikel Arteta has publicly moved to quash suggestions of an imminent exit. Speaking on August 2, Arteta confirmed that Gyökeres "is going to stay" at the club. This public backing is vital given Arsenal's current squad dynamics; the Gunners recently sanctioned the sale of striker Gabriel Jesus to Barcelona, leaving Arteta with only Havertz and Gyökeres as his recognized senior options up front.
With Arsenal having previously explored a move for Julián Álvarez, it is clear they remain attentive to the market. However, any departure for Gyökeres in January would require a suitable, elite replacement, making an immediate exit unlikely unless a major suitor, such as a top LaLiga club like Atlético Madrid, steps forward with a concrete proposal.
