Barcelona are reportedly preparing a shock move for Viktor Gyokeres after the Arsenal striker started Sunday’s Community Shield victory over Manchester City on the bench.
The Sweden international has emerged as an alternative to Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez as Barcelona look to strengthen their attack before the transfer window closes.
SunSport, citing Spanish outlet El Chiringuito, reports that Barcelona could make their move for Gyokeres in the “next few hours”.
There is no suggestion yet that Arsenal have received a formal offer or decided they are prepared to sell.
But the timing of the report makes it considerably more interesting.
🚨 Barcelona are expected to make movement in the coming hours to explore the situation of Viktor Gyökeres. The player is considered as a replacement for Ferran Torres. 🕵️♂️🇸🇪 [@10JoseAlvarez] pic.twitter.com/7pxqXAIzs0
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) August 17, 2026
Viktor Gyokeres faces fresh Arsenal transfer twist
Mikel Arteta selected Kai Havertz ahead of Gyokeres for Arsenal’s first competitive fixture of the season against Manchester City.
The decision paid off.
Havertz scored Arsenal’s second goal in the 3-0 victory, strengthening his claim to begin the Premier League campaign as Arteta’s first-choice centre-forward.
Gyokeres was instead named among the substitutes despite finishing last season as Arsenal’s leading scorer with 21 goals across all competitions. SunSport reports Barcelona’s interest has intensified as they assess alternatives to Alvarez.
That does not necessarily mean Arsenal are ready to cash in.
The Gunners paid around £63.5million to sign Gyokeres from Sporting in 2025 and his contract runs until 2030. He also played a significant role as Arsenal won the Premier League during his debut campaign.
There has already been speculation around his future this summer.
ReadArsenal previously reported Fabrizio Romano’s insistence that Gyokeres was not involved in Arsenal’s pursuit of Julian Alvarez, despite earlier claims that the Swede could move to Atletico as part of a swap.
Sunday has nevertheless introduced a new dimension.
Arsenal’s emphatic Community Shield victory showed Arteta remains prepared to trust Havertz in major matches.
Now Barcelona are reportedly circling.
Unless a formal approach arrives, Arsenal have little reason to panic. But with the transfer window entering its final weeks, Gyokeres’ place in Arteta’s hierarchy has suddenly become one of the more intriguing situations to watch.
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