Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that striker Viktor Gyokeres is going to stay amid the speculation regarding his future.
The Sweden international signed for the Gunners from Sporting CP after a lengthy transfer saga last summer. He had a slow start to the campaign but picked up form during the second half of the season to finish with 21 goals across all competitions.
In recent weeks, a part-exchange deal involving Gyokeres has been talked about. With Arsenal’s long-standing interest in Julian Alvarez, there have been claims that Atletico Madrid could provide a sizeable discount if Gyokeres moves the other way.
Nothing has materialised beyond the gossip, and speaking to journalist Victor Llebaria Escutia, Arteta clarified a couple of things. He emphasised that he won’t speak on Alvarez, given he is contracted to another club at the current point in time.
On Alvarez, Arteta said: “I’m not going to talk about a footballer who isn’t ours”.
Arteta also confirmed that Gyokeres is going to stay put with the Premier League holders.
When pressed on Gyokeres, Arteta added: “Yes, he’s going to stay”.
Arsenal have no reason to part ways with Gyokeres
The former Coventry City star had a rocky start to his Gunners career due to a lack of chemistry with his teammates on the pitch. He also struggled with his hold-up play.
However, there was a notable improvement as the season progressed. The 28-year-old became a menace for opposition defenders with his strong physical presence upfront.
He had one of his best games during the second leg of the Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid. He may not have scored, but he kept Atletico’s backline busy at different phases.
Atletico manager Diego Simeone obviously likes such a profile in his squad, but Arsenal have no reason to part ways with Gyokeres, who is a direct competitor to Kai Havertz for the role upfront.
Gabriel Jesus is more or less certain to leave during the ongoing transfer window. If he departs, the Gunners may pursue a promising young striker such as Club Brugge’s Nicolo Tresoldi.
The Alvarez-to-Arsenal saga seems to have cooled down in recent weeks. The Argentine clearly dreams of joining Barcelona, which has meant that the Gunners have shifted focus to left winger Vinicius Junior.
The Real Madrid star is attracted by the opportunity at Arsenal if he does not extend his contract beyond June 2027. Los Blancos are prepared to sell him rather than lose him on a free transfer next year.
Stats from Transfermarkt