Barcelona are considering a shock move for Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres before the transfer deadline at the end of the month. The Spanish champions are looking to strengthen their attack following Ferran Torres’ move to Paris Saint-Germain.
Alternative target after Alvarez pursuit
Barcelona have made no secret of their desire to sign Julian Alvarez, who is also an Arsenal target, but Atletico Madrid have been steadfast in keeping 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, with Gyokeres 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.
Gyokeres’ struggles at Arsenal
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 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.
Arsenal’s squad trimming plans
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.
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.’
