Arsenal are facing a shock transfer move as Barcelona eye their target Viktor Gyokeres as an alternative for Julian Alvarez. The Sweden international has reportedly emerged as a shock target for the La Liga giants, who are looking for a replacement for Ferran Torres following his move to Paris Saint-Germain for €50million (£43m).
What happened?
Gyokeres, 28, is viewed as an alternative to Julian Alvarez, who Atletico Madrid are refusing to sell with two weeks until deadline day. Barcelona want to sign a replacement for Ferran Torres following his move to Paris Saint-Germain for €50million (£43m). Hansi Flick has also lost the goals of Robert Lewandowski, who left the Camp Nou upon the expiry of his contract in June.
Why it matters for Arsenal
Gyokeres scored 21 goals in his debut season with the Gunners, but the jury is still out regarding his suitability in Mikel Arteta's system. The 28-year-old was benched for the Champions League final in May while Kai Havertz was preferred again for Sunday's 3-0 victory over Manchester City in the Community Shield. Havertz has scored or assisted in six of his last seven competitive appearances for Arsenal and is set to lead the line when Arteta's side host Coventry on Friday to begin their Premier League title defence.
What comes next?
Not counting friendlies, Gyokeres has now gone six games without a goal for Arsenal. Before Barcelona's interest emerged, Gyokeres was linked with Atletico as Arsenal considered a move of their own for Alvarez. But a swap deal is unlikely, especially given that Atletico have already turned down bids from both Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Lead at the top
Arsenal are currently 7 points clear of Manchester City in the Premier League, with a recent form of 5W-0D-0L (WWWWW, most recent first); on a 5-game winning run. They have scored 71 goals this season, conceding 27, with a +44 goal difference. Their last result was a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace on May 24th, 2026.
Recent form
Arsenal's recent form is impressive, with 5 wins in their last 5 games. They have been on a 5-game winning run, with their last loss coming in April 2026. They have scored 71 goals this season, conceding 27, with a +44 goal difference.
