'.

Barcelona expected to make move for Arsenal striker

Viktor Gyokeres is seemingly of interest to FC Barcelona, but the club are yet to make contact with Arsenal at this stage.

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 09: Viktor Gyokeres of Arsenal during the during the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal FC and Borussia Dortmund at Emirates Stadium on August 09, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images

Jose Alvarez reported for El Chiringuito TV on Sunday night that movements are expected on Viktor Gyokeres’ case in the coming hours, with FC Barcelona considering the striker as an option after Ferran Torres’ departure.

Alvarez claimed that Gyokeres’ situation will be explored, though he made no suggestion of any club-to-club negotiations at this stage.

Indeed, Fabrizio Romano reports that Arsenal haven’t received any kind of call or direct contact from Barcelona yet. Though he adds that Barcelona do need a striker, and that if Julian Alvarez isn’t an option, it’s possible (but not confirmed) that Gyokeres could be one.

GIRONA, SPAIN - AUGUST 01: Viktor Gyokeres of Arsenal FC looks on during the pre-season friendly match between Girona FC and Arsenal FC at Montilivi Stadium on August 01, 2026 in Girona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images

Barcelona director Deco has spoken about Gyokeres in the past, heaping praise on the striker whilst insisting that the club weren’t trying to sign a centre-forward at that time.

“Gyokeres is a great striker who did excellent things at Sporting but we’re currently not looking for that position,” Deco said during the summer of 2025. “We have Lewandowski at number nine.”

With Barcelona more open to a striker signing this time around, perhaps Deco’s admiration for Gyokeres could develop into something more concrete.

Martin Odegaard and Viktor Gyokeres of Arsenal stand over a free-kick during the during the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal FC and Borussia Dortmund at Emirates Stadium on August 09, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images

Arsenal are seemingly on the hunt for a star forward this summer, and whilst the Gunners have primarily pursued wingers so far, there’s also a clear interest in Alvarez from Atletico Madrid.

Whilst Barcelona are also very keen on Alvarez, Arsenal have a clear advantage in that Atletico are adamant they cannot possibly sell to their La Liga rivals.

The only thing keeping Barcelona in the race is that Alvarez is so keen to join them. But Atletico won’t consider the Barcelona transfer, whereas they may consider one to Arsenal.

If Atletico did sell to Arsenal, that would free Gyokeres up to potentially join Barcelona. But such a scenario is evidently still in the very early stages, particularly considering the transfer window closes in just two weeks.

Julian Alvarez of Atletico de Madrid celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Copa Del Rey Final match between Real Sociedad and Atletico de Madrid at Estadio de La Cartuja on April 18, 2026 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images
Related Topics