Barcelona eye Gyokeres transfer as Arsenal striker loses starting place to Havertz

Barcelona are considering a move for Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres, according to a report from El Chiringuito, with the Sweden international’s place in Mikel Arteta’s starting XI under serious question heading into the new season.

Gyokeres joined Arsenal from Sporting last summer for a reported £55m plus £8.5m in potential add-ons, arriving as the centre-forward many supporters had demanded after three consecutive Premier League runners-up finishes. Yet within a year, his status at the club has shifted considerably.

The turning point came in March, when Kai Havertz returned from injury and gradually displaced Gyokeres as Arteta’s first choice. The German started Arsenal’s potential title-decider against Manchester City in April and scored, then led the line in the Champions League final against PSG — netting the opening goal — with Gyokeres introduced from the bench in the 66th minute. Arteta again preferred Havertz for Sunday’s Community Shield curtain-raiser against City.

Gyokeres’ pre-season form has done little to strengthen his case. The striker has drawn criticism for his touch and finishing in Arsenal’s warm-up friendlies since returning from the World Cup, adding to the uncertainty around his long-term role at the club.

Barcelona’s reported interest stems partly from frustration elsewhere in the transfer market. The Catalan club have been unable to prise Julián Álvarez away from Atlético Madrid this summer and are now said to be exploring alternative targets, with Gyokeres among those on their radar.

Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has indicated that while Barcelona have not yet submitted a formal offer to Arsenal, the situation could develop quickly, with the transfer window in both England and Spain closing at 11pm UK time on 1 September.