Key Points
- Frustration Over Limited Playing Time: Viktor Gyökeres is reportedly open to leaving Arsenal during the upcoming January transfer window following growing dissatisfaction with his reduced role under manager Mikel Arteta.
- Lack of Premier League Starts: The Swedish international striker has yet to start a Premier League match in the 2026/27 season, with Kai Havertz being consistently preferred to lead the Gunners’ attack.
- Pursuit of Foreign Interest: Intermediaries have begun assessing potential options across Europe, with Spanish giants Atlético Madrid, alongside clubs in Italy’s Serie A and Germany’s Bundesliga, monitoring the situation closely.
- Transfer Market Dynamic: Arsenal’s ongoing interest in Atlético Madrid forward Julián Álvarez has heightened uncertainty around Gyökeres’ long-term future in north London.
Arsenal (North London News) October 19, 2026 — Swedish international striker Viktor Gyökeres has grown frustrated with his current standing at Arsenal and is open to pursuing a transfer away from the Emirates Stadium during the January transfer window.
As reported by Steve Pearson and Graeme Bailey of TEAMtalk, Gyökeres is considering his options ahead of the winter window after growing “tired” of his limited game time under manager Mikel Arteta. The 28-year-old forward completed a high-profile move to north London from Sporting CP in the summer of 2025 in a deal worth approximately £60 million (€70 million). However, his situation has deteriorated during the opening months of the 2026/27 campaign, leading representatives and intermediaries to explore alternative opportunities across European football.
Why Is Viktor Gyökeres Unhappy With His Role Under Mikel Arteta?
As reported by Abiodun Adewale Adeniyi of Beyond the Final Whistle, the core of Gyökeres’ dissatisfaction stems from a significant decrease in playing time and a total absence of Premier League starts this season. German international Kai Havertz has firmly established himself as Arteta’s first-choice central striker, leaving Gyökeres restricted to substitute appearances.
In Arsenal’s most recent 1–0 Premier League victory against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, Gyökeres was introduced as a second-half substitute in the 65th minute, replacing Havertz. Across the early stretch of the domestic campaign, the striker has accrued just 56 minutes of action in the Premier League, appearing exclusively off the bench in fixtures against Brighton & Hove Albion, Leeds United, and Nottingham Forest.
The contrast between his club role and his international output has further highlighted his frustration. During the October international break, Gyökeres featured prominently for the Sweden national team in the UEFA Nations League, scoring four goals across international fixtures. Despite maintaining his goalscoring form on the international stage, he returned to London only to remain on the bench for the start of domestic fixtures.
As reported by Graeme Bailey of TEAMtalk, the player’s camp is also aware of Arsenal’s continued activity in the transfer market, specifically regarding their pursuit of Atlético Madrid forward Julián Álvarez. Arsenal engaged in discussions for the Argentine attacker during the summer of 2026. Reports indicate that Arsenal’s persistent interest in securing another marquee forward has sent a clear signal to Gyökeres regarding his projected standing within the squad.
Which Clubs Are Monitoring the Swedish Striker’s Situation?
As reported by Steve Pearson of TEAMtalk, European clubs are monitoring Gyökeres’ situation ahead of January. Chief among them is Atlético Madrid, who are eyeing potential additions to their attacking line.
A potential move to the Metropolitano Stadium could create a dynamic involving Julián Álvarez. Should Arsenal reignite their interest in signing Álvarez, Atlético Madrid could view Gyökeres as an ideal replacement to bolster their forward line. Beyond Spain, unnamed suitors in Italy’s Serie A and Germany’s Bundesliga are also maintaining contact with intermediaries as the transfer window approaches.
Arsenal management may be open to facilitating a departure if a suitable proposal materialises. Reports suggest that Arsenal could demand a fee in the region of £60 million to £64 million to sanction a permanent transfer, allowing the club to recoup its initial investment and reinvest funds into alternative attacking targets.
Background of the Particular Development
Viktor Gyökeres established himself as one of Europe’s most prolific center-forwards during his tenure at Sporting CP in Portugal, scoring consistently across domestic and European competitions. His performances attracted widespread interest across the continent before Arsenal secured his signature in the summer of 2025 for a reported £60 million (€70 million) fee.
During his debut 2025/26 campaign in north London, Gyökeres enjoyed a productive season, scoring 21 goals in all competitions, including 14 in the Premier League, as Arsenal secured the league title and reached the UEFA Champions League final. Despite his contribution to the team’s trophy-winning campaign, Mikel Arteta adjusted his tactical setup heading into the 2026/27 season, prioritizing Kai Havertz’s link-up play and pressing abilities in central attack. This tactical shift drastically curtailed Gyökeres’ playing time, culminating in his current status as a bench option and initiating speculation regarding a mid-season exit.
Prediction: How This Development Can Affect Arsenal and Their Supporters
If Viktor Gyökeres departs Arsenal during the January transfer window, the immediate impact will fall on Mikel Arteta’s squad depth and tactical flexibility during the second half of the season.
For Arsenal supporters and the broader club audience, selling a proven, high-profile striker mid-season carries tactical and operational implications:
- Attacking Depth: Sanctioning Gyökeres’ exit without securing an immediate replacement would leave Arsenal heavily reliant on Kai Havertz as their primary central striker, exposing the squad to depth risks across the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and domestic cup competitions.
- Financial Reinvestment: Reclaiming a fee near £60 million would preserve the player’s market value and provide technical director sports management with the necessary capital to pursue primary transfer targets, such as Julián Álvarez.
- Dressing Room Harmony: Resolving a high-profile player’s discontent early in the transfer window prevents prolonged media speculation, allowing Mikel Arteta to maintain focus within the squad as Arsenal push to defend their domestic title.
