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Analysis
- 28 minutes ago
Three strikers Arsenal could sign to replace Viktor Gyokeres
Cameron Smith
- Updated: 12 Jan 2026 11:03 GMT
- 5 min read
Analysis
When Arsenal signed Viktor Gyokeres for €66.9 million last summer, they thought they’d secured the signature of a world class striker capable of helping them end their lengthy trophy drought.
The Sweden international had netted a whopping 97 goals in just 102 appearances across a hugely successful two-year stint at Sporting CP, and he was regarded as arguably the best striker available on the market.
Current ETV
Viktor Gyökeres
F (C)
Arsenal
Viktor Gyökeres
F (C)
Arsenal
ETV Range
€67.6M - €82.6M
Since his arrival at the Emirates Stadium, however, Gyokeres has looked a shadow of the player who tore things up in Portugal.
He has scored seven goals in 24 matches for Arsenal, but he has only found the back of the net on two occasions in his last 15 Premier League appearances - one of which came from the penalty spot versus Everton in December.
In addition, the return to fitness of Gabriel Jesus has provided Mikel Arteta with another option in attack, while Kai Havertz made just his second appearance of the campaign during Arsenal’s victory over Portsmouth in the FA Cup on Sunday.
As a result, Gyokeres’ spot as a guaranteed starter now looks in real doubt, and Arsenal could be back to the exact place they found themselves in last year regarding their striker options.
Of course, they are in pole position to win the Premier League title this season, but they were desperate to sign an upgrade on Jesus and Havertz in 2025, and considering Gyokeres has failed to achieve this, dipping back into the market for another new striker is a distinct possibility.
Below, FootballTransfers runs through three strikers Arsenal could target to replace Gyokeres later this year.
Igor Thiago (Brentford)
Brentford’s knack of finding top-quality strikers is simply incredible and Igor Thiago is the latest off the production line.
After selling Ivan Toney to Al-Ahli in 2024 and Yoane Wissa to Newcastle in 2025, Thiago has stepped up big time this campaign and he has already scored 16 goals in just 21 Premier League games.
The Brazilian is on a red-hot streak and although there is no guarantee his form will continue beyond the 2025-26 season, he is still only 24 years old and he is proving his credentials as a fantastic centre forward week-in, week-out.
Marcus Thuram (Inter)
Marcus Thuram has been a reliable performer for Inter Milan since his arrival from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2023 and he has been linked with a move to Arsenal on a number of occasions over the past few years.
The Frenchman isn’t quite as prolific as his Inter strike partner Lautaro Martinez, however he has still notched 44 goals in 117 games for the Italian giants, and he seems far more attainable than his team-mate.
Thuram’s physical traits would undoubtedly translate well to the Premier League and the fact he provided 20 assists in his first two full seasons in Serie A suggests his link-up play would help the likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard boost their goalscoring numbers.
Samu Aghehowa (Porto)
The final potential option to replace Gyokeres at Arsenal is FC Porto star Samu Aghehowa.
Signing a striker from the Portuguese league hasn’t worked with Gyokeres, but Aghehowa is a far younger prospect at just 21 years old, while he also starred for Alaves in La Liga before his move to Porto.
The Spain international has netted 46 times in 70 games for Porto, including a brace versus Manchester United in the Europa League last season, and he looks like one of the brightest centre forward talents in world football.
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