Barcelona are weighing up a shock move for Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres ahead of the transfer deadline, according to reports. The Spanish champions are keen to bolster their attack before the window closes at the end of the month, particularly after Ferran Torres’ move to Paris Saint-Germain. However, Barcelona have yet to make any contact with Arsenal, as reported by Fabrizio Romano.
Barcelona’s striker search
Barcelona have made no secret of their desire to sign Julian Alvarez, ironically an Arsenal target, but Atletico Madrid have remained steadfast in their desire to keep the Argentina international and are particularly reluctant to do business with their La Liga rivals. As such, Hansi Flick has been forced to consider alternative targets, and Gyokeres is the latest name under consideration.
According to El Chiringuito, Barcelona are keen on the centre forward who failed to live up to expectations upon joining Arsenal from Sporting Lisbon last season. Although he amassed over 20 goals, Gyokeres failed to fully convince and was ultimately usurped by Kai Havertz for Arsenal’s biggest games during the run-in once the Germany international returned to full fitness.
Gyokeres’ recent struggles
Gyokeres was on the bench again for Sunday’s Community Shield win over Manchester City and struggled when he came off the bench to replace Havertz with 15 minutes remaining. Despite his indifferent performances since moving to the Premier League champions, Fabrizio Romano reports that Gyokeres to Barcelona could gather momentum over the next fortnight, although the Catalan giants are yet to make any contact with Arsenal.
The Gunners are expected to be busy trimming their squad before the start of September, with Reiss Nelson, Fabio Vieira and Gabriel Jesus expected to depart. West Ham are in talks to sign Nelson, while Vieira is hoping to return to Hamburg where he spent last season on loan. Jesus, meanwhile, is of interest to Napoli, but they are currently struggling to meet his salary expectations.
Arsenal squad concerns
The futures of Ethan Nwaneri and Gabriel Martinelli are also the subjects of much conjecture, with speculation intensifying after they were left out of Sunday’s matchday squad. Asked about their absences against City, Mikel Arteta told TNT Sports: ‘It’s really sad not to have their availability. I’ve been fighting with the Premier League to extend and accommodate more players in the squad because they deserve to be in the squad, there’s no question. Ethan [Nwaneri] and Marli [Salmon] as well, who has had the whole pre-season with us. Hopefully we can change that rule so players can enjoy on the pitch and can be an option to play and contribute to the team going forward.’
As the transfer window enters its final fortnight, Barcelona’s interest in Gyokeres could provide Arsenal with an opportunity to offload a player who has struggled to meet expectations, while the Gunners continue to reshape their squad for the season ahead.
