Key Points
- AC Milan have established initial contact with the representatives of Arsenal striker Viktor Gyökeres regarding a potential move.
- The Swedish international is reported to be growing increasingly frustrated over limited playing time under manager Mikel Arteta.
- Gyökeres has accumulated just 207 minutes of action across five appearances in all competitions at the start of the current campaign.
- Rival Serie A side Juventus, along with Saudi Pro League clubs Al Ahli and Al Ittihad, have also reportedly held exploratory talks with the player’s camp.
- Arsenal are not actively seeking to sell the forward, though reports suggest potential flexibility if a high-profile replacement is identified ahead of the January transfer window.
Arsenal (North London News) September 22, 2026 – As reported by CaughtOffside via The Daily Briefing, AC Milan have made very early exploratory contact with the representatives of Viktor Gyökeres, the Swedish striker currently playing for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal. The forward, who moved to London from Sporting CP in the summer of 2025 for a reported €67 million (£63.5 million including add-ons), is reportedly growing increasingly frustrated at the Emirates Stadium due to his limited playing time. The intriguing possibility could set the stage for a major January transfer window approach.
The numbers from the opening stages of the current campaign leave little room for interpretation: the Swede has accumulated very limited playing time, with just 207 minutes in five appearances across the Premier League, domestic cup competitions, and the UEFA Champions League, often coming on only in the closing stages of matches. As noted by journalists at CaughtOffside, “the Sweden international is understood to be frustrated with his current situation at Arsenal, having clearly fallen down the pecking order this season”. This situation has prompted the striker’s representatives to take action behind the scenes, sounding out top European clubs in search of a move that could restore the central role he has lost.
How are European and Saudi clubs planning for a January transfer?
News of Gyökeres’ discontent has immediately caught the attention of Milan’s management. As relayed via Pianeta Milan and Milan Reports, while closely monitoring the development of their own attacking department, the Rossoneri have reportedly held initial talks with the Swedish striker’s agents to assess the feasibility of a deal. The idea would be to negotiate a loan move for the upcoming January transfer window.
According to transfer reporting from CaughtOffside and TEAMtalk, Juventus have reportedly made a similar approach to the player’s representatives, while interest is also emerging from Saudi Pro League sides Al Ahli and Al Ittihad.
While Arsenal are not actively looking to sell Gyökeres, it is understood that there could be some flexibility if a big-name forward can be brought in come January. As detailed in The Daily Briefing, “the player himself is already exploring options away from the Emirates Stadium, with his representatives holding initial talks with Milan, Juve, Al Ahli, and Al Ittihad”.
Background of the particular development
The context behind Viktor Gyökeres’ potential departure traces back to his high-profile arrival in North London during the summer of 2025. Following an extraordinary goalscoring run at Sporting CP in Portugal, Arsenal secured the striker’s signature for a fee exceeding €67 million to bolster their attacking options. During his maiden season at the Emirates Stadium, Gyökeres recorded 21 goals in all competitions, aiding Arsenal’s successful campaign in securing the Premier League title and reaching the UEFA Champions League final.
Despite these total goal numbers, tactical adjustments by manager Mikel Arteta over the past year have gradually shifted the squad dynamic. Arteta has increasingly favoured Kai Havertz in the central striker role, citing Havertz’s pressing capabilities, link-up play, and fluidity within Arsenal’s tactical structure. Consequently, Gyökeres has found his starting opportunities reduced, leading to reduced minutes on the pitch and triggering exploratory transfer discussions ahead of the mid-season window.
Prediction: How this development can affect the audience
This potential transfer movement carries distinct implications for the key stakeholder groups involved across English and Italian football:
- For Arsenal Supporters: A potential exit for Gyökeres in January could create tactical division among the fanbase. While some supporters view Havertz as the superior fit for Arteta’s tactical system, losing a proved 20-goal striker midway through a demanding multi-front season could dilute Arsenal’s squad depth unless an elite replacement is secured concurrently.
- For AC Milan Supporters: Acquiring Gyökeres would provide the Rossoneri with a powerful, direct forward line options for Serie A and European competitions. His addition would offer tactical flexibility and depth, reinforcing Milan’s domestic and continental ambitions.
- For the Player: Securing a loan or permanent transfer would afford Gyökeres the opportunity to re-establish himself as a focal point of a major European club’s attack, regaining regular starting minutes to maintain his competitive edge and national team standing.
