Key Points
- Arsenal have initiated preliminary contact regarding possible moves for Real Madrid starlet Endrick and Monza forward Gustavo Varela.
- Mikel Arteta’s side are actively evaluating centre-forward options due to growing speculation regarding Viktor Gyökeres’ long-term future at the club.
- Sweden international Viktor Gyökeres is reportedly struggling for form and becoming frustrated, with Arsenal open to a potential departure in 2027.
- Real Madrid manager José Mourinho blocked an exit for Endrick in the summer, insisting he will “fight” to keep the 20-year-old despite his restricted playing time.
- Endrick’s representative has publicly countered Mourinho’s firm stance, describing the transfer status as a “fluid process” open to changes ahead of the January transfer window.
- Monza’s Gustavo Varela has emerged as a high-profile wildcard option following a prolific spell of 10 goals in nine appearances in Italy.
- Other attacking options under consideration or linked with Arsenal include Julián Álvarez, Nicolò Tresoldi, Paris Brunner, and Eli Kroupi.
Arsenal (North London News) October 31, 2026 – Arsenal have initiated contact to discuss the potential acquisition of Real Madrid striker Endrick alongside Monza forward Gustavo Varela as manager Mikel Arteta considers restructuring his attacking hierarchy.
The North London club has entered the market for a dynamic centre-forward amidst persistent uncertainty surrounding the long-term role of Viktor Gyökeres. The 28-year-old Sweden international has experienced an arduous campaign, encountering difficulties in establishing consistency and reportedly harboring frustration regarding his output. With senior figures at Arsenal understood to be open to facilitating Gyökeres’ departure by 2027, the recruitment department has accelerated plans to secure a viable replacement.
Why Are Arsenal Looking to Replace Viktor Gyökeres?
As reported by FootballTransfers, Arsenal are proactively scouting profiles across world football due to the deteriorating situation surrounding Viktor Gyökeres. The Swedish forward’s prolonged struggle to deliver consistent performances has prompted the club’s board to contemplate offloading him in 2027.
This potential vacancy has triggered a wide-ranging talent search by Arsenal’s recruitment team. Alongside high-profile names, a variety of established international forwards and emerging prospects have been credited with interest from the Gunners. As detailed in reporting from FootballTransfers, long-standing targets such as Atlético Madrid’s Julián Álvarez, Club Brugge’s Nicolò Tresoldi, and Monaco’s Paris Brunner remain linked with the Premier League side. Furthermore, summer target Eli Kroupi has recently returned from a prolonged injury layoff and is expected to re-enter contention if he can replicate his previous goalscoring form.
Will Real Madrid Allow Endrick to Leave in January?
Despite signing for Real Madrid with immense expectations, 20-year-old Brazilian international Endrick has found senior minutes exceedingly difficult to secure under manager José Mourinho. Endrick was heavily linked with a temporary departure during the summer transfer window, but Mourinho personally intervened to block the move.
However, Endrick’s operational context has not drastically improved. The young forward has registered just 107 minutes of competitive action this season and remained an unused substitute during Real Madrid’s recent El Clásico victory over Barcelona.
According to transfer insider Graeme Bailey of TEAMtalk, Arsenal have maintained active contact with Endrick’s camp to monitor his availability for a potential January move. The report outlines that while Mikel Arteta’s side are prepared to provide the forward with regular minutes in North London, any formal deal would likely hinge on structure—specifically a loan agreement containing an option to purchase. This stance contrasts with rival suitors such as AC Milan and Roma, making Arsenal’s proposal a key point of evaluation for the player’s management team.
Real Madrid’s stance remains resolute on paper. Speaking on the persistent transfer speculation, manager José Mourinho publicly declared that he will “fight” anyone attempting to lure Endrick away from the Santiago Bernabéu. Nevertheless, as reported by FootballTransfers, one of Endrick’s official representatives directly challenged Mourinho’s uncompromising remarks, clarifying:
“It’s a fluid process where a lot can still change ahead of January.”
Is Monza’s Gustavo Varela a Viable Alternative for Arsenal?
In addition to Endrick, Arsenal have identified Monza sensation Gustavo Varela as a concrete wildcard alternative.
As highlighted in reporting by Calciomercato, Arsenal have formally “made enquiries” regarding the 21-year-old Portugal youth international following his explosive start in Italian football. Varela has enjoyed a stellar campaign for Monza, scoring 10 goals in nine appearances across all competitions, including eight goals in eight Serie A matches. His sudden rise has captured the attention of multiple European clubs, including Napoli and his former side Benfica.
Comparative analysis between the two key candidates highlights distinct stylistic differences:
- Experience & Pedigree: Endrick possesses top-tier elite experience with Real Madrid and the Brazil national team, whereas Varela possesses less top-flight exposure.
- Physical Adaptability: While Endrick maintains a stocky build, he lacks height. Conversely, Varela offers a commanding physical profile that analysts believe is naturally suited to the physical demands of English football.
- Transfer Feasibility: Calciomercato indicates that Varela is currently valued in the region of €15 million to €20 million, making him an financially accessible option compared to the complex, high-value negotiations required for Endrick.
Background of the Attack Restructuring at Arsenal
Arsenal’s search for an elite, central focal point in attack has been an ongoing strategic objective for manager Mikel Arteta and the club’s sporting directorate. Over recent transfer windows, the Gunners have attempted to bridge the gap between technical link-up play and clinical penalty-box finishing.
The acquisition of Viktor Gyökeres was intended to provide a heavy physical presence and guaranteed goal output. However, tactical adjustments in the Premier League and the player’s search for consistent form have prevented the partnership from yielding the expected long-term stability.
Concurrently, European football has seen a premium placed on versatile, explosive young forwards. Endrick’s high-profile transfer from Palmeiras to Real Madrid positioned him as one of South America’s premier talents, but intense squad competition in Madrid has limited his development. Meanwhile, Gustavo Varela’s progression through Benfica’s youth ranks and his subsequent breakout at Monza reflect a growing trend of Premier League clubs monitoring Serie A for emerging attacking talent.
Prediction: How This Development Could Affect Arsenal and Their Supporters
Should Arsenal successfully execute a move for either Endrick or Gustavo Varela, the immediate tactical and structural dynamics at the Emirates Stadium would undergo a notable shift.
For the Arsenal fanbase and squad, securing a high-potential forward in January or ahead of the 2027 season would alleviate concerns regarding attacking depth during multi-competition campaigns. The arrival of Endrick—even on a loan-to-buy basis—would bring immense technical profile and elite-level dynamism, boosting supporters’ optimism regarding the club’s silverware ambitions. Conversely, signing Gustavo Varela would represent a calculated, scouting-led gamble on raw physical potential and current scoring momentum.
However, integrating a young forward mid-season carries operational risks. As both targets are young and relatively unproven in English football, expecting immediate seamless production during a title push could place excessive pressure on the player. Additionally, initiating formal pursuit for a replacement signals a definitive countdown for Viktor Gyökeres, which could either trigger a short-term response in the Swede’s output or further destabilise his current integration within the squad.
