Ultimately, Viktor Gyokeres completed a blockbuster £64million move to North London over the summer, and when he arrived in the Emirates he had high expectations.
However, despite breaking a string of records during his time at Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon, the Swedish marksman has come under scrutiny since joining England’s elite.
Forced to make do with Mikel Arteta’s substitutes during Arsenal’s thrilling 3-2 defeat to bitter rivals Manchester United on Sunday, Gyokeres has failed to cement his place as the Spaniard’s number one choice at the top.
Now that sections of the Emirates support have made their frustrations clear, it has been suggested that Arteta is already looking for a possible replacement for the failed 27-year-old.
The tame of Gyokeres comes to life in North London
By steering Sporting Lisbon to domestic dominance and shattering a string of records during his two-year stay in the Portuguese capital, Gyokeres had built a reputation as one of Europe’s most clinical number nines.
With an impressive 97 goals in just 102 games after joining from Championship side Coventry in 2023, the Swedish international has been closely linked with a string of European heavyweights.
Ultimately, Gyokeres completed a messy split from Sporting in July and arrived in the Emirates with a huge reputation, also a lot of expectations on his shoulders.
While Arteta may have been quick to defend his big-money star and praise his ability to occupy space, the former Brighton youngster has scored just five goals in his 21 Premier League appearances this season.
While Arsenal fans may have been clamoring for a leading marksman in recent years, Gyokeres only has a 15% conversation rate this season.
Despite being on the scoresheet for Inter Milan last week, the 30-cap international has not scored a Premier League goal from open play since November 1.
Forced to settle for a spot on the bench during Arsenal’s 3-2 defeat at home to historic rivals Manchester United on Sunday and making just a 30-minute cameo appearance, there has also been recent speculation that Arteta’s patience could be wearing thin.
Is it time for Viktor Gyokeres to be dropped from Arsenal’s starting line-up? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/h2JKCh13e6
— NBC Sports Football (@NBCSportsSoccer) January 17, 2026
Could Alvarez be the man to replace Gyokeres?
While there may have been many eyebrows raised in August 2024 when Julian Alvarez completed a move to Atletico Madrid that could ultimately be worth around €80 million, the Argentine ace has continued to shine among Spain’s elite.
While Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola may have made it clear he wanted to keep the 25-year-old, Alvarez had no interest in playing as a substitute for Erling Haaland at the Etihad.
Alvarez made a brave decision to leave the Premier League giants, scoring 29 goals for Diego Simeone’s men in all competitions in his first season in the Spanish capital last season.
Despite spending just 18 months at the Metropolitano, speculation has been rife in recent months that the World Cup winner could expect an early return to England.
As well as speculation surrounding a possible move to both Chelsea and Liverpool, it was reported last weekend that Arsenal have thrown in the towel and are considering a blockbuster summer move.
With Arteta being suggested to be a huge admirer of the former Manchester City marksman, it has also been reported in Spain that Alvarez himself has already given the green light to a potential deal and is keen to move to North London.
Arsenal are considering making a move for Julian Alvarez 👀 pic.twitter.com/mxgOHCS0jf
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) January 23, 2026
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