Gyokeres eyes January Arsenal exit after just 56 Premier League minutes this season

Viktor Gyokeres is pushing for a January exit from Arsenal after being restricted to just 56 Premier League minutes since his £63.5m summer arrival from Sporting CP, according to reports from TEAMtalk. The Swedish striker has failed to register a single goal or assist in the league, with manager Mikel Arteta continuing to prefer Kai Havertz as a false nine ahead of him.

The 28-year-old’s frustration is understandable given his pedigree. Gyokeres scored 43 goals and contributed 17 assists for Coventry City between 2021 and 2023 before earning his move to Sporting, and he underlined his form during the recent international break by netting four goals in four Nations League appearances for Sweden.

Arsenal’s pursuit of Atlético Madrid forward Julián Álvarez during the summer window adds further complexity to Gyokeres’ situation. The Gunners failed to land the Argentine, who ultimately opted for a move to Barcelona — a transfer Atlético blocked — leaving Arteta’s attacking options unchanged. Should Arsenal return for Álvarez in January, Gyokeres’ path to regular starts would narrow further still.

Atlético Madrid have emerged as a potential destination for Gyokeres, with TEAMtalk reporting that the Spanish club showed interest in the striker during summer discussions that also touched on the Álvarez situation. Álvarez’s relationship with the Atlético fanbase has reportedly soured following his public pursuit of a Camp Nou move, which could open the door for Arsenal to make a fresh approach for him — and simultaneously accelerate Gyokeres’ departure.

Clubs from the Premier League, Serie A, and the Bundesliga are also said to be monitoring Gyokeres’ availability, meaning Arsenal could face significant competition for his signature if they decide to cash in when the window reopens in January 2026.