Arsenal Explored Viktor Gyokeres Swap Deal for Julian Alvarez

Arsenal reportedly explored the possibility of a swap deal involving striker Viktor Gyokeres as part of an effort to sign Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez. The Gunners are understood to be concerned about their offensive reinforcements this summer, with manager Mikel Arteta keen to bolster his attack.

Last season, Arsenal’s 71 Premier League goals were insufficient to retain their title, highlighting the need for increased firepower. While Alvarez has been a reported target, Atletico Madrid has previously rejected approaches from Barcelona and Real Madrid, indicating the striker’s £432 million release clause.

A recent report from talkSPORT has revealed that Arsenal considered sending Gyokeres to Atletico Madrid as a makeweight in discussions for Alvarez.

Alvarez’s World Cup Impact

Julian Alvarez is currently with the Argentina squad preparing for a World Cup semi-final clash. He played a crucial role in their quarter-final progression, scoring a decisive goal in the 112th minute against Switzerland. Last season for Atletico Madrid, the 26-year-old scored 20 goals and provided nine assists in 49 appearances. Beyond his direct contributions, Alvarez has demonstrated an ability to link play effectively in the final third.

Concerns Over Gyokeres’ Suitability

Viktor Gyokeres scored 14 Premier League goals for Arsenal in the 2025-26 season. However, concerns have been raised about his long-term effectiveness, particularly his record against top teams. Of his 11 non-penalty league goals, eight came against teams in the bottom half of the table. This limited impact against stronger opposition could pose a risk if he remains the primary attacking option.

The report suggests that replacing Gyokeres with a player who complements Bukayo Saka better would benefit the team. However, even signing Alvarez might not fully address all of Arsenal’s attacking deficiencies.

Other Attacking and Midfield Targets

The lack of threat on the left flank was evident throughout the 2025-26 season, with Gabriel Martinelli scoring only one Premier League goal. This may explain Arsenal’s reported interest in Morgan Rogers.

Furthermore, the article points out that without a creative midfielder capable of passing from deep, similar to Bruno Guimaraes, Arsenal’s forwards could continue to struggle. The acquisition of a midfielder is therefore presented as a key priority.

Key facts

The potential pursuit of Julian Alvarez and the exploration of swap deals highlight Arsenal’s ongoing efforts to strengthen their attacking options. The reported concerns about Viktor Gyokeres’ impact against top teams suggest a strategic review of the squad’s forward line is underway. For Arsenal fans, these developments underscore the club’s ambition to compete at the highest level and the significant financial commitments potentially involved.

Source: Sports Mole Football RSS – https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/arsenal/transfer-talk/news/gyokeres-out-gunners-offer-striker-in-exchange-for-key-gbp432m-target_601225.html