Julian Alvarez
Julian Alvarez
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January transfer windows often reopen conversations about positions that were strengthened the previous summer. Clubs that spent heavily on a centre-forward face questions when that player is not starting regularly. Former players tend to look at both the individual’s adaptation and the style of games the team is playing.
Out-and-out strikers are judged against the very highest scorers in the division. Those who score close to a goal a game set a standard that few others match. The rest of the market usually offers a similar return every two or three matches, which leaves clubs weighing link-up play against pure finishing numbers.
Interest in alternative targets during the summer can linger into the winter if the first-choice signing has not established himself. Decision-makers outside the club can only speculate on whether a further arrival would improve the options or simply add another player competing for the same minutes. Those calculations become clearer only when a departure is also possible.
Nigel Winterburn does not expect Arsenal to sign another striker in January unless Viktor Gyokeres is allowed to leave, according to Metro. The former left-back spoke after the Sweden international’s limited involvement at the start of the season.
Gyokeres joined from Sporting for £64 million in July 2025 after scoring 97 goals in 102 appearances. He contributed to Arsenal’s Premier League title last season but has started the new campaign on the periphery, with Kai Havertz preferred. Winterburn said the discussion around the signing remains mixed.
“The discussion around Gyokeres is mixed, even among Arsenal supporters,” he said. “I thought he looked uncomfortable at Arsenal at the start of last season, but he did very well in the last couple of months. A lot of Arsenal’s games last year were more defensive-minded than open and attacking, which probably didn’t help him. I’m not surprised Havertz has started. I think Arteta likes his movement and link-up play.”
He added that the fee continues to generate scrutiny. “When you spend that much money expecting an out-and-out striker, questions will always be asked about whether it was the right signing. There was also the link with Julian Alvarez over the summer. Until Gyokeres starts playing regularly, those questions will continue to be asked of both me and Mikel Arteta.”
On potential January business, Winterburn was clear. “It depends on whether Gyokeres leaves. If he doesn’t, I don’t see Arsenal bringing anybody else in. If you compare Alvarez and Gyokeres purely on goalscoring record, I don’t think there’s a significant difference. There aren’t many truly top strikers when you judge them against Haaland and Harry Kane. Haaland scores roughly a goal a game. Kane’s record is probably similar.
“The rest are closer to a goal every two and a half to three games. So what are you looking for? Someone who gives you a similar goalscoring ratio but perhaps links play better? Those questions are difficult to answer from outside the club.”
Arsenal were linked with Alvarez last summer, though the Argentine preferred a move to Barcelona that did not materialise. Winterburn’s prediction is that no further striker will arrive in January while Gyokeres remains at the club. The focus stays on whether the existing options can deliver the required goals in the months ahead.