Viktor Gyokeres is being lined up as a makeweight in Arsenal's pursuit of Julian Alvarez, just a year after the Swede arrived from Sporting CP — but only after a season in which Paul Merson claimed he was 'not trusted' by his teammates.
Gyokeres helped Arsenal to the Premier League title with 14 league goals, a respectable return, but his influence outside the box drew criticism. On an appearance on Stick to Football in February, Merson said: 'I watch Gyokeres, Arsenal don't trust him, the players. They never pass to him.'
“Arsenal may use Viktor Gyokeres as a swap for Julian Alvarez amid claims he is not trusted by teammates.”
The Gunners are among the clubs interested in Alvarez, who has made clear he wants to leave Atletico Madrid. Real Madrid and Barcelona are also keen, but Atleti are reluctant to do business with La Liga rivals, leaving the door open for a Premier League move. According to talkSPORT, Arsenal have considered offering Gyokeres as part of a swap deal.
Mikel Arteta had already warned Gyokeres about the pressures of leading the line. 'The nine that I want is a nine that when he doesn't score for six or eight games, he can handle that,' Arteta said. 'If not, you have to go somewhere else.'
Meanwhile, Arsenal are also considering a free transfer for John Stones, with William Saliba's injury concerns potentially forcing the club's hand. Arteta has already delivered his verdict on the Manchester City defender, though the details of that assessment remain unclear.
The potential departure of Gyokeres — either as a swap or a direct sale — would leave Arsenal needing a new number nine, a position Arteta has been keen to solidify. Whether Stones would arrive as a centre-back reinforcement or a midfield option is yet to be seen, but the club's transfer activity suggests a summer of significant change at the Emirates.