Viktor Gyökeres’ time at Arsenal is effectively over. The Swedish striker, signed for a then-club record £64 million from Sporting CP in the summer of 2025, has made it clear he is ready to depart in January—primarily due to the persistent absence of consistent playing time. Despite scoring 21 goals across all competitions last season, Gyökeres has been restricted to just three Premier League appearances this term, all from the bench. His frustration has reached a breaking point, and the Gunners now face a critical choice: facilitate his exit or risk further instability in their forward department.
The conditions for Gyökeres’ departure are straightforward. Arsenal’s hierarchy has signaled they will sanction his move—provided they can simultaneously bring in a replacement. The club’s pursuit of another striker, whether through a direct signing or a potential swap involving Julián Álvarez, appears to be the catalyst for Gyökeres’ exit. Reports suggest Juventus, AC Milan, Al Ittihad, and Al Ahli are among the clubs monitoring his availability, while Atletico Madrid remains a strong contender after expressing interest during this summer’s transfer window. The Spanish side’s interest was reportedly driven by a desire to bolster their front line, and Gyökeres’ physical profile and goal-scoring pedigree—97 goals in 102 games for Sporting CP—make him an attractive prospect.
The timing of Gyökeres’ exit could not be more opportune for Arsenal. With the January transfer window looming, the club is under pressure to address a forward shortage that has become increasingly evident. Gyökeres’ departure would clear the way for a more youthful or project-based striker, potentially allowing Arsenal to invest in a player who can thrive under Mikel Arteta’s system. The Gunners’ reluctance to sell Gyökeres earlier—despite persistent rumors linking him to Barcelona—has been rooted in their ambition to retain him as a high-earning asset. However, the reality of his limited impact this season has shifted the narrative, and his exit now appears inevitable.
For Gyökeres, the move represents a chance to reclaim his form on a team where he can take on a more central role. His departure from Arsenal would mark the end of a summer that began with grand expectations but has ended in disappointment. The Swedish forward’s goal-scoring record at Sporting CP suggests he is more than capable of delivering at the highest level, and his next destination will likely prioritize regular starts. Whether in Europe’s top leagues or the Middle East, Gyökeres’ market value remains strong, and the clubs eyeing him are well aware of the goals he can provide.
The broader implications for Arsenal’s squad dynamics cannot be overstated. Gyökeres’ exit would free up space for a more dynamic forward, potentially allowing the club to target a player with greater versatility or a different attacking profile. Meanwhile, the January window presents an opportunity to address other areas of the squad, particularly in defense, where Manchester United’s recent interest in Lisandro Martínez underscores the competitive pressure facing Premier League clubs. For Gyökeres, the decision to leave is less about financial terms and more about regaining the consistency he once had at Sporting CP—a consistency that has eluded him in North London.
