Viktor Gyokeres is reportedly prepared to push for a January transfer away from Arsenal after falling down Mikel Arteta’s attacking pecking order.
The Sweden international has not started a Premier League match this season, with Kai Havertz currently preferred to lead Arsenal’s attack.
TEAMtalk reports that Gyokeres is increasingly frustrated by his limited opportunities and has begun considering his future just over a year after joining the Gunners from Sporting CP.
Intermediaries are said to be assessing possible destinations ahead of the January transfer window, with Atlético Madrid among the clubs interested. Teams in England, Germany and Italy are also reportedly monitoring his situation.
Arsenal could consider allowing the 28-year-old to leave as they continue exploring the possibility of signing another elite forward.
However, neither Gyokeres nor Arsenal have publicly confirmed that a transfer request has been made.
Gyokeres struggling for opportunities
Gyokeres arrived at Arsenal in a deal potentially worth more than £60million in July 2025 after the club selected him ahead of Benjamin Sesko.
He scored 21 goals across all competitions during his debut campaign, including 14 in the Premier League, as Arsenal won the title and reached the Champions League final.
His position has changed considerably this season. Gyokeres has played only 56 minutes across three substitute appearances in the Premier League and is yet to score.
Despite his lack of club football, he has continued performing for Sweden, scoring in four consecutive Nations League matches between September and October.
Arteta recently defended the striker’s attitude and insisted he remained an option for Arsenal.
“Viktor transmits an incredible will and determination and work rate to improve and help the team,” Arteta said.
“That’s Viktor every single day, regardless of his position, whether he scores a goal or not. That’s why he’s always an option to play.”
Nevertheless, the absence of Premier League starts has reportedly left Gyokeres feeling that he is no longer central to Arteta’s plans.
Julian Alvarez interest threatens Gyokeres’ future
Arsenal’s continued interest in Atlético Madrid striker Julian Alvarez has created further uncertainty.
The Gunners explored a summer move for the Argentina international, although Alvarez reportedly favoured joining Barcelona and ultimately remained in Madrid.
Arsenal are still understood to be interested in the former Manchester City forward, while Atlético have previously considered Gyokeres as a potential target.
Talks between the two clubs during the summer reportedly included the possibility of Gyokeres being used in negotiations for Alvarez, although no formal swap agreement was reached.
Atlético could now offer Gyokeres a route out of north London if he decides to leave in January. Any agreement might also help Arsenal revive their pursuit of Alvarez, although such a complicated mid-season exchange would be difficult to complete.
Gyokeres remains under contract at Arsenal and has publicly spoken about wanting more opportunities rather than demanding a transfer.
For now, therefore, his proposed January exit remains a developing transfer story rather than a confirmed decision.
