Barcelona are reportedly considering a shock move for Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres as an alternative to Julian Alvarez, who Atletico Madrid are refusing to sell with two weeks until deadline day.
Gyokeres, 28, is viewed as a replacement for Ferran Torres, who moved 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.
Barcelona's striker search
Spanish outlet El Chiringuito reported on Monday that Barcelona will make their move for the Sweden international in the 'next few hours'. Barca plan to explore the conditions of a deal, having also been linked with Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez and Sporting Lisbon's Luis Suarez. It was Suarez who replaced Gyokeres in the Portuguese capital a year ago after Arsenal shelled out £64m to sign him.
Gyokeres' Arsenal struggles
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. Not counting friendlies, Gyokeres has now gone six games without a goal for Arsenal.
Alvarez stays at Atletico
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.
Earlier this month, Diego Simeone reiterated that Alvarez would be staying at the Wanda Metropolitano. "The situation is very clear," the Atletico manager stated. "The club took a decision which [CEO Gil Marin] Miguel Angel explained well. We are very happy with Julian. From the sporting side of things, we will help him keep growing and improving so that he can give us what he has given us over these two years at the club so far, which was a mountain of things."
Atletico will start their La Liga campaign at home to newly promoted Malaga on Wednesday. Alvarez didn't feature in pre-season, having been given extra time off following Argentina's run to the World Cup final.
