Sports
Could Mikel Arteta already be looking to replace Viktor Gyokeres this summer?
Eventually completing a blockbuster £64million move to north London over the summer, Viktor Gyokeres had loft expectations on his shoulders when he arrived at the Emirates.
However, despite breaking a string of records during his time with Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon, the Swedish marksman has come under plenty of scrutiny since joining England’s elite.
Forced to settle among Mikel Arteta’s substitutes during Arsenal’s thrilling 3-2 loss against bitter rivals Manchester United on Sunday, Gyokeres has failed to cement his spot as the Spaniard’s number one choice up top.
With sections of the Emirates support making their frustrations clear, it has been suggested that Arteta is already eyeing a potential replacement for the misfiring 27-year-old.
Gyokeres’ tame start to life in north London
Firing Sporting Lisbon to domestic dominance and shattering a string of records during his two-year stint in the Portuguese capital, Gyokeres had gained a reputation as one of Europe’s most clinical number nines.
Bagging an astonishing 97 goals in just his 102 matches after arriving from Championship outfit Coventry back in 2023, the Swedish international was heavily linked with a string of European heavyweights.
Eventually completing a messy divorce from Sporting back in July and arriving at the Emirates with a huge reputation, Gyokeres also had plenty of expectations on his shoulders.
Although Arteta might have been quick to defend his big-money striking star and praise his ability to occupy space, the one-time Brighton youngster has notched just five goals in his 21 Premier League appearances this season.
While Arsenal fans might have been crying out for a leading marksman over the past few years, Gyokeres has just a 15% conversation rate this season.
Likewise, despite getting on the scoresheet away at Inter Milan last week, the 30-cap international has not recorded a Premier League goal from open play since way back on November 1st.
Forced to settle for a spot on the bench during Arsenal’s 3-2 loss at home against historic rivals Manchester United on Sunday and only making a 30-minute cameo appearance, there has also been recent speculation that Arteta’s patience could be wearing thin.
Is it time for Viktor Gyokeres to be DROPPED from Arsenal’s starting lineup? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/h2JKCh13e6
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) January 17, 2026
Could Alvarez be the man to replace Gyokeres?
While there might have been plenty of raised eyebrows back in August 2024 as Julian Alvarez completed a move to Atletico Madrid that could end up being worth in the region of £80million, the Argentinian ace has continued to shine among Spain’s elite.
Although Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola might have made it clear that he wanted to keep hold of the 25-year-old, Alvarez had no interest in playing a deputy role to Erling Haaland at the Etihad.
Making a brave call to leave the Premier League giants, Alvarez recorded 29 goals for Diego Simeone’s men across all competitions in what was his maiden campaign in the Spanish capital last season.
However, despite only spending 18 months at the Metropolitano, there has been plenty of speculation over the past few months that the World Cup-winner could be set for a speedy return to England.
Alongside speculation over a potential move to both Chelsea and Liverpool, it was reported over the weekend that Arsenal have thrown their hat into the ring and are weighing up a blockbuster summer move.
With it suggested that Arteta is a huge admirer of the former Man City marksman, it has also been reported in Spain that Alvarez himself has already given the green light to a potential deal and would relish a move to north London.
Arsenal are considering making a move on Julian Alvarez 👀 pic.twitter.com/mxgOHCS0jf
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) January 23, 2026
