Viktor Gyokeres reportedly wants to leave Arsenal amid Barcelona interest
Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres has reportedly expressed a desire to leave the club, with Barcelona linked with a potential move for the Sweden international.
A report from Spain claims that Gyokeres is involved in ongoing discussions over a possible Arsenal exit, just one year after joining the Gunners from Sporting CP.
According to Spanish outlet COPE, Gyokeres’ representatives have been in contact with Barcelona sporting director Deco about a possible transfer. However, the report also states that Barcelona are not currently prioritising a move for the Arsenal striker.
Gyokeres linked with Arsenal exit
The claims come despite Gyokeres recently helping Arsenal secure the Premier League title.
The striker scored 21 goals in 56 appearances across all competitions during his first season in England. Arsenal also reached the Champions League final during the campaign.
However, Gyokeres did not always start Arsenal’s biggest matches. Manager Mikel Arteta sometimes preferred Kai Havertz because of the German forward’s ability to hold up the ball and link play.
Gyokeres has also faced criticism over aspects of his all-round game, despite his strong goalscoring record.
His performances against several of the Premier League’s top sides were less convincing, raising questions about his role in Arteta’s preferred attacking system.
Gyokeres previously said he was happy at Arsenal
Despite the latest report, Gyokeres’ recent comments appear to contradict claims that he is unhappy at Arsenal.
Speaking earlier this summer, the striker acknowledged interest from other clubs but said he felt comfortable in north London.
“Of course it’s flattering to see that clubs are interested, but I feel extremely comfortable at Arsenal.”
Gyokeres also reflected positively on Arsenal’s successful campaign, saying he had only positive feelings after the season.
Those comments make an immediate Arsenal exit appear less certain.
Barcelona also linked with Gabriel Jesus
Gyokeres is not the only Arsenal forward reportedly attracting Barcelona’s attention.
Gabriel Jesus has also been linked with a potential move away from the Emirates Stadium as the Catalan club continues to assess attacking options.
For now, however, Gyokeres is understood to be lower down Arsenal’s list of potential departures before the transfer window closes.
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The striker has also appeared comfortable competing with Havertz for a place in Arteta’s attack. Havertz missed large portions of Arsenal’s title-winning campaign because of injury.
Gyokeres’ Arsenal future remains uncertain
Gyokeres joined Arsenal after establishing himself as one of Europe’s most prolific forwards at Sporting CP.
He scored 97 goals in 102 appearances for the Portuguese club before completing his move to Arsenal.
Although reports have now linked him with Barcelona, there is currently no clear indication that Arsenal are actively seeking to sell the striker.
Transfermarkt currently values Gyokeres at around €65 million, but any potential transfer would depend on Arsenal’s willingness to consider an offer and Barcelona’s interest developing into a formal approach.
For now, claims that Viktor Gyokeres wants to leave Arsenal remain a developing transfer story rather than a confirmed departure.
Arsenal are expected to return to Premier League action against Coventry City.
