Arsenal transfer truth revealed: Viktor Gyokeres sale 'a topic of conversation'

Updated: 8 Sept 2026 16:38 BST | 4 min read

Viktor Gyokeres, Arsenal, 2026/27 — © IMAGO

Tom Weber | Writer

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Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres has become the subject of plenty of speculation in recent days.

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The Sweden international was thoroughly outshone by Kai Havertz in the Gunners' impressive 2-1 victory over Chelsea on Sunday, which prompted Jamie Carragher to suggest that he would "never" supplant the versatile German.

"To displace Havertz out this team, you’re talking about one of the best players in the world, that’s what you have to get," Carragher said on Sky Sports. "It has to be an Ian Wright, guaranteed 30 goals a season, Thierry Henry. Gyokeres is never taking Havertz’s place. Ever."

Compared

Kai Havertz

F, M (C)

Arsenal

Kai Havertz

F, M (C)

Arsenal

VS

Viktor Gyökeres

F (C)

Arsenal

Viktor Gyökeres

F (C)

Arsenal

2026/2027

Season Statistics

2026/2027

4	Appearances	2
3	Goals	0

With a return of 21 goals in 57 games, the 28-year-old has been far from a terrible signing, but playing in the Premier League has exposed his limitations, particularly when it comes to his technical ability.

Gyokeres has struggled to recapture the remarkable form he displayed in Portugal, where he had more space to run into and was able to easily bully most defenders, which just isn't possible to the same extent in the hyperphysical Premier League.

Gyokeres not untouchable at Arsenal

Havertz's performance has put the spotlight on Gyokeres and his future, but there were already suggestions that he may not be a long-term solution for Arsenal during the summer transfer window.

The Gunners' well-documented pursuit of Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez cast doubt on their trust in Gyokeres, and even the idea of a possible swap deal was floated. Ultimately, that was a moot point as the Argentine did not want to return to England.

Speculation is now once again increasing, with rumours proliferating that the Premier League champions could sell the Swede next year, though it has been asserted that an exit will only be sanctioned if a "top-class" replacement were lined up.

Ben Jacobs has responded to the speculation and confirmed that Gyokeres is anything but untouchable at Arsenal. In fact, they would have already considered offers for the 28-year-old this summer.

Asked whether Gyokeres will stay, Jacobs said on the Market Madness podcast: "Yes, at the moment, but with the Julian Alvarez situation, one structure tabled was that it was cash plus Gyokeres, and Atletico Madrid really liked Gyokeres.

"But as long as Alvarez stayed at the club, it wasn't as urgent for them to bring in a player like Gyokeres, but it's true to my understanding that Gyokeres was not entirely unsellable and was touted to the Saudi market as well.

"And this is where the manager always wants plausible deniability, because he'll accept the project decision to sell a certain player, but if they stay, the manager tells you they're 100% invested and he wants to keep them, and that's been the case.

Current ETV

Viktor Gyökeres

F (C)

Arsenal

Viktor Gyökeres

F (C)

Arsenal

ETV Range

€44.3M - €54.1M

"Mikel Arteta said Gyokeres would 100% stay, and that is my expectation for the season. I'm not aware of anything behind the scenes trying to force him out of the club or any imminent winter exit.

"But it will be true over the course of the next few windows that if the right offer comes in that meets Arsenal's valuation and is something Gyokeres wants, I don't expect Arsenal to stand in his way.

"But I would be surprised if that is in a winter market when he still has value to the squad. In the summer of 2027, Gyokeres' future may become more of a topic of conversation."