Transfer Rumours: Shock club ready Gyokeres bid as Arsenal talks confirmed

17 Aug 2026 06:30 CDT | 5 min read

Viktor Gyokeres, Transfer Rumours — © IMAGO

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

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FootballTransfers runs through the biggest rumours and gossip from 17 August, including the latest updates on Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Martinelli.

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Barcelona eye Viktor Gyokeres

Barcelona are exploring the possibility of signing Viktor Gyokeres from Arsenal as they look to secure the signature of a new centre forward.

It’s understood that Barcelona will soon turn their attentions towards addressing their vacant No.9 spot and they intend to move for Gyokeres, according to a report from El Chiriguito (via Sport).

Julian Alvarez has been their priority target, but a move for the Argentina international has been repeatedly shut down by Atletico Madrid, who have pointed to the player’s €500m release fee as their price.

While head coach Hansi Flick wants the Blaugrana to continue to push for the ex-Manchester City attacker, other possibilities are being explored, with Gyokeres now foremost among them.

Current ETV

Viktor Gyökeres

F (C)

Arsenal

Viktor Gyökeres

F (C)

Arsenal

ETV Range

€49.2M - €60.2M

Napoli in Gabriel Martinelli talks

Napoli are in talks over a possible summer swoop for Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli, FootballTransfers can confirm.

Turkish giants Galatasaray are eager to finalise a deal for the 25-year-old, while FootballTransfers has been informed that Napoli have opened negotiations over a potential deal, with the Serie A giants currently in talks with an intermediary.

We understand that discussions are ongoing, although Arsenal will not sell Martinelli this summer unless they are able to find a suitable replacement before Transfer Deadline Day.

Athletic Club winger Nico Williams remains on Mikel Arteta’s radar, however we understand that he will not leave Spain this summer and Arsenal must therefore pursue an alternative target if they are to sanction the sale of Martinelli to Napoli.

Bradley Barcola is also appreciated, but Arsenal will not match Paris Saint-Germain’s current asking price of over €150 million.

Martinelli was omitted from Arsenal’s matchday squad for the Community Shield final versus Manchester City on Sunday, and we have been told that he is open to leaving Arsenal if an attractive offer arrives before the end of the window.

Nicolas Jackson latest

Chelsea are still struggling to find a buyer for Nicolas Jackson despite lowering their asking price, according to reports in France.

RMC Sport understands Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and Atletico Madrid have all expressed an interest in signing Jackson this summer.

However, the same outlet claims all three clubs have baulked at the €70million (£60m) valuation placed on the Senegal striker.

The news comes after BBC Sport reported in July that Chelsea were originally looking to receive €76m (£65m) to part ways with Jackson.

© IMAGO - Nicolas Jackson's future remains uncertain

Celtic target wants to join

Celtic have learned Hajduk Split midfielder Niko Sigur is keen to join them this summer, according to the Daily Record.

Record Sport claims the 22-year-old has made Split aware of his desire to move to Scotland, with Celtic set to open talks over a move.

It is understood it would take a significant seven-figure sum to prize Sigur away from the Croatian side, but Celtic have money to spend in the transfer window after selling Arne Engels to West Ham United for an EFL-record €25.75million (£22m) on Saturday.

Rodri agreement

Barcelona have reached a full agreement to sign Manchester City midfielder Rodri.

Hansi Flick’s side have been in talks over a deal for the Spain international all week and a deal has now been finalised, with Rodri set to be formally announced as a Blaugrana player shortly.

David Ornstein has confirmed that Barca will pay an initial fee of €60 million to sign the 30-year-old, with a further €16.5m in possible add-ons.

Rodri had been linked with a move to El Clasico rivals Real Madrid earlier this summer, but Barcelona quickly emerged as the most likely candidates to secure his signature and a deal has now been struck with Man City.