Key Points

• Gyökeres Under Threat: Viktor Gyökeres faces an uncertain future at Arsenal after failing to secure a regular starting spot under manager Mikel Arteta following his 2025 arrival from Sporting CP.
• Tactical Profile Match: Arsenal management is prioritizing tactical fit over transfer fees, seeking a specific forward profile that aligns with Arteta’s playing system.
• Data-Driven Shortlist: Using data analytics from SciSports, media outlet FootballTransfers compiled a five-player power ranking of potential replacements based on current SciSkill ratings and future potential.
• Filtered Out Unrealistic Targets: Targets such as Chelsea’s João Pedro and Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike were omitted as unfeasible options.
• Erling Haaland Ranked No. 1: Manchester City striker Erling Haaland tops the wishlist as the ultimate upgrade, alongside other data-backed options including Julian Alvarez, Nicolò Tresoldi, and Gustavo Varela.
• Benchmark Metrics: Gyökeres currently holds a SciSkill rating of 108.1 with a calculated potential capacity of 112.3.

Arsenal (North London News) October 23, 2026 – Arsenal are actively examining potential replacements for striker Viktor Gyökeres as the Sweden international continues to struggle to secure a consistent starting role under manager Mikel Arteta, following his transfer from Sporting CP in the summer of 2025. According to a detailed report published by sports news outlet FootballTransfers, Arsenal are prioritizing a specific tactical profile rather than focusing purely on a player’s price tag. To establish potential alternatives, FootballTransfers collaborated with data analytics platform SciSports to evaluate natural centre-forwards who match Arteta’s tactical requirements, ranking Manchester City striker Erling Haaland at the top of their target list as the ultimate positional upgrade.

As reported by Tom Weber of FootballTransfers, Gyökeres’ long-term future at the Emirates Stadium is increasingly uncertain because the forward has failed to replicate the explosive output that characterized his tenure in Portugal. Weber noted that “persistent rumours suggest that Gyökeres could be sold next year to make way for a superstar striker,” adding that “in reality, Arsenal are interested in a profile as much as price tag. Any player coming into the club has to fit what Arteta wants tactically.”

What Data Metrics Were Used to Evaluate Arsenal’s Striker Shortlist?

To identify suitable targets, FootballTransfers utilized the SciSkill framework developed by data analytics firm SciSports. The SciSkill rating measures a player’s development, current ability, and future potential based on hundreds of in-game actions executed during competitive fixtures.

As detailed by SciSports’ analytical data, Gyökeres currently maintains a SciSkill current ability score of 108.1, alongside a projected potential score of 112.3. Using these metrics as a baseline, FootballTransfers filtered the player database to identify forwards who possess high current ability alongside high future potential. Unrealistic targets—such as Chelsea’s João Pedro and Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike—were explicitly excluded from the final rankings to present a realistic list of five prospective targets.

Why Is Erling Haaland Ranked as Arsenal’s Primary Target?

As reported by LiveScore news via FootballTransfers, Erling Haaland tops the power rankings as Arsenal’s ideal target. Describing the Norwegian international’s standing in world football, FootballTransfers stated that “Haaland is Arsenal’s dream Gyökeres alternative. He’s every team’s dream centre-forward currently,” while noting that ongoing off-field developments surrounding Manchester City could potentially influence player availability in future transfer windows.

Beyond Haaland, the assessment highlighted secondary targets who fit Arteta’s pressing and movement requirements. As reported by Tom Weber of FootballTransfers, Atlético Madrid forward Julián Álvarez remains an admired option for the North London club, alongside emerging talents such as Club Brugge striker Nicolò Tresoldi and Monza hitman Gustavo Varela. Writing about the interest in Serie A, Weber stated that “the Gunners are also keeping tabs on red-hot Monza striker Gustavo Varela,” who has scored six goals in six games, though he added that “it is doubtful that they would be willing to take a gamble on a player who is in just his second season of top-level football.”

How Has Viktor Gyökeres Performed at Arsenal This Season?

As reported by FourFourTwo, Gyökeres’ status at the club has fallen into severe doubt as he continues to battle Kai Havertz for the central striker position. FourFourTwo noted that “the Swedish hitman [failed] to start a single Premier League fixture” during the opening block of the campaign, with his action largely restricted to substitute appearances and cup competitions.

Reporting on the player’s limited playing time, Tom Weber of FootballTransfers highlighted that “the Sweden international, still goalless through eight games, is reportedly growing frustrated with his reduced role this season,” having accumulated limited minutes in domestic league play. Despite finishing as the Gunners’ top scorer across all competitions during the previous campaign, Gyökeres has struggled to cement an absolute starting role in Arteta’s tactical system this year.

What Is the Background to Viktor Gyökeres’ Situation at Arsenal?

Viktor Gyökeres joined Arsenal in the summer of 2025 following a prolific spell at Sporting CP, where his physical style, direct running, and clinical finishing made him one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers. Arsenal invested heavily to secure his signature to provide a traditional focal point in attack. During his debut season in 2025–26, Gyökeres contributed crucial goals that helped Arsenal win the Premier League title and reach the UEFA Champions League final.

However, despite his goal scoring return, Mikel Arteta’s tactical framework has increasingly evolved toward dynamic fluid attacking setups. The resurgence and tactical flexibility of Kai Havertz in the central role—offering superior link-up play, aerial duels in midfield buildup, and defensive pressing—has gradually reduced Gyökeres’ playing time. Consequently, media speculation regarding potential transfer interest from clubs in La Liga, Serie A, and the Saudi Pro League has intensified ahead of upcoming transfer windows.

What Is the Prediction for How This Development Will Affect Arsenal and Their Supporters?

This development is likely to generate significant tactical debate and high expectations among the Arsenal fanbase and football community. If Arsenal choose to sanction a transfer for Gyökeres in 2027, it signals that Mikel Arteta and the club’s executive leadership are uncompromising in their pursuit of absolute tactical perfection.

For the Arsenal audience and supporters:

• Short-Term Impact: Fans can expect continued rotational use of Gyökeres in European and domestic cup competitions, accompanied by intense transfer speculation leading into the January and summer windows.
• Long-Term Squad Evolution: Pursuing top-tier alternatives like Erling Haaland or Julián Álvarez demonstrates Arsenal’s ambition to sustain their position at the pinnacle of European football. However, replacing a proven goalscorer with high-value marquee targets carries financial and squad-harmony risks that the administration will need to navigate carefully.