Barcelona have made no direct contact with Arsenal over a potential move for striker Viktor Gyokeres, according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano. The Swedish forward has emerged as a possible alternative target for the Catalan club, but as of Monday, August 17, no phone call or formal club-to-club discussions have taken place.
Barcelona’s sporting director Deco has yet to open any negotiations or explore the conditions of a potential deal, per Barca Universal, which cited Romano’s update. Any move would face a significant financial hurdle, with Arsenal under no pressure to sell.
Why Gyokeres Is on Barcelona’s Radar
Barcelona’s striker search has intensified following the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, leaving manager Hansi Flick without a senior centre-forward (as covered in Barcelona’s Busy Window: De Jong Fights Back, Torres Exits, Striker Hunt Continues). Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid remains the club’s preferred target, but Atletico have refused to entertain offers, making that deal extremely difficult.
With the Alvarez route largely blocked, several alternatives have been considered. Lautaro Martinez and Sporting Lisbon’s Luis Suarez were both linked before those options were ruled out. Gyokeres is now the latest name in the frame.
El Chiringuito journalist Jose Alvarez Haya reported earlier on Monday that Barcelona were expected to assess Gyokeres’ situation in the coming hours. That report preceded Romano’s clarification that no approach had actually been made.
Gyokeres’ Standing at Arsenal
Gyokeres joined Arsenal last summer for around €70 million after prolific form at Sporting Lisbon. His debut Premier League season produced 21 goals across all competitions, a solid return that nonetheless drew some scrutiny given the expectations around him.
Barca Universal notes he appears to sit behind Kai Havertz in Mikel Arteta’s attacking plans. Arsenal have also been linked with a move for Alvarez themselves, which could complicate any Barcelona approach further.
The Potential Knock-On Effect
Should Barcelona move for Gyokeres in earnest, it could set off a chain of transfers. Arsenal pursuing Alvarez might make Atletico Madrid more willing to sell to the Gunners than to a direct La Liga rival. That in turn could push Atletico toward Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen as a replacement, according to Barca Universal’s analysis.
For now, Barcelona are closing in on two other arrivals. Joao Cancelo has agreed to terminate his contract with Al Hilal and will travel to complete a free transfer next week. More significantly, the club has reached a deal with Manchester City for the signing of Rodri in a package worth €76.5 million.
The striker question remains unresolved. Hamza Abdelkarim is currently Flick’s most natural No. 9 option, with Lamine Yamal, Anthony Gordon, and Karim Adeyemi capable of filling in centrally if needed.
