da doce: Arsenal have now held talks to sign a £210k-a-week forward who’s “one of the best in the world”, as he is now unhappy at his current club.

Gunners stepping up new forward pursuit amid Gyokeres criticism

da lvbet: There was a widespread belief that Viktor Gyokeres could be the final piece of the jigsaw for the Gunners, but while they are top of both the Premier League and Champions League standings, the Swedish striker hasn’t made the best of starts.

The former Sporting CP man has only scored three goals from open play in the Premier League, and Jamie Carragher took aim at the centre-forward at the end of 2025, saying: “Gyökeres should not be starting for Arsenal, when they’ve got players like this [Jesus].

“I think in a couple of games time when Jesus is maybe a little bit more up to speed, he’s a better player than Gyökeres. It’s just… That’s a fact.

“He’s [Jesus] been questioned before saying ‘is he good enough for Arsenal to go and win the league?,’ but right now he’s better than the guy they brought in who they thought was going to win them the league.”

In fairness to Carragher, Mikel Arteta now has a real selection dilemma on his hands, with Jesus showing some promising signs since returning from a long injury lay-off, most recently bagging a brace in the 3-1 Champions League victory against Inter Milan.

Although Arteta now has a plethora of options in attack, with Kai Havertz still to return, Arsenal have now opened talks to sign another new forward, according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states they have made a discreet approach for Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez.

Alvarez’s future at the Spanish club is up in the air, amid widespread interest from some of Europe’s top clubs, with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea also named as potential suitors.

Interestingly, the Argentinian would consider a return to the Premier League, should he be able to relocate to London, which suggests a move to the Emirates Stadium could be a possibility.

Alvarez could be statement signing for Arsenal

Arsenal would be making a real statement if they were able to beat the likes of Barcelona and PSG to the 25-year-old’s signature, but a move to north London should be an attractive proposition, with Arteta’s side winning all seven of their Champions League games this season.

Gyokeres will love him: Arsenal dreaming of signing "generational" £86m star

The sensational talent could be a game-changer for Arsenal and Gyokeres.

ByJack Salveson Holmes

There is also every indication the Calchin-born marskman has what it takes to be a success at the Emirates Stadium, particularly considering his stellar goal and assist record since joining Atletico.

Season

Appearances (all comps)

Goal involvements

2024-25

57

37

2025-26

28

16

Importantly, the former Manchester City man is also proven in the Premier League, bagging 11 goals and ten assists for Pep Guardiola’s side during the 2023-24 campaign.

Subscribe to the newsletter for Arsenal transfer insight Want deeper Arsenal transfer analysis? Subscribe to our newsletter for clear, expert breakdowns of striker targets, tactical implications, and how potential signings could reshape Arteta’s options – smart context to stay informed on transfer developments.


By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Lauded as “one of the best (forwards) in the world” by former Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso, the £210k-a-week forward could be a fantastic signing for Arsenal, although they should perhaps give Gyokeres a little while longer to prove himself before trying to bring in a replacement.