Viktor Gyokeres
Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres is admired by Barcelona
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Arsenal are currently expected to keep striker Viktor Gyokeres despite recent transfer links with Barcelona.
The Catalan giants are believed to be exploring the market for Julian Alvarez alternatives after losing hope in their pursuit of the Atletico Madrid attacker, who remains a player of interest to the Premier League champions.
In recent days, Gyokeres' name has frequently cropped up in the Spanish media, suggesting he is firmly on Barca's radar. However, this close to the new season, Arsenal have had no active discussions with Barcelona about a transfer.
Gyokeres was their top goalscorer last season with 21 goals in all competitions and became the first Arsenal player to net 20 or more times in all competitions in his first season at the club since Alexis Sanchez back in 2014-15 (25).
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Selling him now would not make sense, unless he actively told the Gunners he was keen to seal a transfer elsewhere. Furthermore, Barcelona are yet to contact Arsenal so at this stage, all talk of a deal is merely speculation.
It would take a huge offer - plus progress on a replacement or even upgrade - to alter Mikel Arteta's side's thinking given Gyokeres is considered a key player in north London.
Arsenal hold a long-standing interest in Atletico's Alvarez and there's a sense they could move for the player if they receive encouragement that Atleti would be willing to do business.
But so far, the signals point towards Alvarez staying put. He has been back in training for over a week and there have been next to no developments regarding his future.
Doubts also remain about whether the 26-year-old would be willing to return to the Premier League, which he already won twice with Manchester City, as he has his heart set on a switch to Barcelona.
Julian Alvarez
Arsenal and Barcelona but want Julian Alvarez, who is now back in Atletico Madrid training(Image: Europa Press Sports, Europa Press via Getty Images)
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The Gunners have also been linked with Galatasaray frontman Victor Osimhen, whose name was mentioned during discussions for Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri.
There has been little movement on that front, however, as Galatasaray are not actively trying to sell the Nigerian and has reportedly already turned down a massive offer from Al-Hilal for the 27-year-old.
Arsenal remain open to strengthening their attack but only if the right deal presents itself. As seen with Vinicius Junior, sometimes a transfer is ultimately dictated by matters beyond your control.
That's why with just a few weeks left of the window, it's difficult to envisage Gyokeres departing Arsenal given all signs presented throughout the summer are that he'll be staying put.
In fact, Arteta said on-record that Gyokeres will stay following the 4-1 friendly victory over Girona on August 1.
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