Barcelona prepare imminent Gyokeres bid as Arsenal weigh up Nwaneri exit

Barcelona are preparing to make an imminent offer for Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres, according to Spanish outlet Sport, as the Gunners brace for a hectic conclusion to the summer transfer window ahead of the September 1 deadline.

The La Liga champions are in the market for a forward following Ferran Torres’ £43m departure to Paris Saint-Germain. Their primary target is Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez, who is also admired by Arsenal, but Atletico have refused to sell the Argentine to a direct rival. Barcelona have consequently turned their attention to Gyokeres, with Sport reporting the club will “make movements in the next few hours” to test Arsenal’s resolve.

Gyokeres joined Arsenal last summer in a deal worth up to £64m and scored 21 goals across all competitions in his debut campaign. However, his all-round contribution drew criticism, with the Swede frequently peripheral in high-stakes matches. Earlier this summer, reports suggested Arsenal were open to including him in a player-plus-cash package for Alvarez.

While a potential Gyokeres sale would generate significant funds, sporting director Andrea Berta has identified several departures as necessary before the club can complete further inbound business. Leandro Trossard remains the only notable exit of the window so far.

Arsenal’s transfer picture was further complicated on Sunday when journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that the club had already decided to allow 19-year-old Ethan Nwaneri to leave before the window closes. Nwaneri did not feature in the matchday squad for Arsenal’s 3-0 Community Shield victory over Manchester City, having spent the second half of last season on loan. Romano stated the decision to part with the teenager was made weeks ago, with Premier League clubs understood to be monitoring the situation.

On the incoming front, Mikel Arteta is still seeking a versatile defender to cover for the injured William Saliba, as well as a world-class forward. New arrivals Christos Tzolis and Bruno Guimaraes both started and impressed in Sunday’s Community Shield win, which underlined Arsenal’s status as early Premier League title favourites.