Arsenal will not include striker Viktor Gyokeres in a potential deal to sign Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. Reports had suggested the Gunners were prepared to offer £85 million plus Gyokeres to entice Atletico into selling Alvarez, but Romano stated on his YouTube channel that there is currently “nothing on track” for the Swede to move to the Spanish capital.
Arsenal are still interested in Alvarez, particularly if his preferred move to Barcelona falls through, but will not use Gyokeres as a makeweight in negotiations. Atletico Madrid are reportedly reluctant to sell Alvarez to Barcelona, a domestic rival, which has opened a potential opportunity for Arsenal.
Arsenal are prioritizing keeping both Alvarez and Gyokeres within their squad, with Mikel Arteta reportedly favouring the sale of either Gabriel Martinelli or Gabriel Jesus to create space in the forward line. The club have reportedly been in advanced talks with Newcastle United to sign Bruno Guimaraes, with personal terms already agreed, and are also pursuing Vinicius Jr from Real Madrid.
Gyokeres joined Arsenal last year and has established himself as a key player, scoring 12 goals in 34 Premier League appearances. Alvarez, meanwhile, has struggled for consistent playing time at Atletico Madrid since joining from River Plate, and has publicly expressed a desire to join Barcelona. The Argentine forward has scored 18 goals in 41 appearances for Atletico, but has found himself often behind Antoine Griezmann and Alvaro Morata in the pecking order.
The situation remains fluid, and Arsenal will likely wait to see if Barcelona can agree a deal with Atletico before making a formal offer for Alvarez. The Gunners’ pursuit of multiple high-profile targets indicates an ambitious summer transfer window as they look to challenge for the Premier League title.
