
Viktor Gyokeres has requested to leave Arsenal, and with his potential departure in January, Mikel Arteta will be weighing up several options to replace him.
On Saturday (October 17), TEAMtalk revealed that Gyokeres' 'lack of opportunities' is the main reason he is pushing for the exit door after playing just 56 minutes in the Premier League this term.
The Swedish international has watched his importance to Arteta decline rapidly after scoring 14 top-flight goals last term, with the Spaniard preferring Kai Havertz as his first-choice striker. However, with January fast approaching, Arsenal will likely look to add another forward to their squad. SPORTbible examines four they could sign once the window opens.
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Four strikers Arsenal could sign to replace Viktor Gyokeres
Julian Alvarez
Starting with the most obvious choice. Atletico Madrid superstar Julian Alvarez is the player Arteta earmarked as his 'dream' signing in the summer, but a transfer for the Argentine never materialised.
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Alvarez made it clear that Barcelona was the team he wanted to join, although Atleti CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin insisted that the Madrid side would “never, ever” sell their prized asset to Barca.
Their hardline stance on selling to a divisional rival gives the Gunners every chance of sealing a move in January or next summer, when the world-class forward will be pushing for an exit.
Diego Simeone has only introduced the 26-year-old from the bench in La Liga so far this season, while starting him in both Champions League games. But it's clear that Alvarez sees his future elsewhere, and it's Arsenal's job to persuade the former Manchester City man to join.
Eli Junior Kroupi
Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi was on Arsenal's radar during the summer after scoring 13 Premier League goals following his £10million move from Lorient.
The Gunners were joined by rivals Tottenham in showing an interest in the 20-year-old, although they never tested the Cherries' resolve with a bid after placing a £100million asking price on his head.
That eye-watering amount naturally put both clubs off tabling a bid for the Frenchman, and any possibility of him departing in the summer ended when he suffered a broken foot towards the end of August.
Kroupi is likely to return from that crushing injury in early November, and perhaps that is perfect timing for Arsenal to test the waters with a January bid for the youngster, who would add searing pace, piercing movement and elite-level finishing to Arteta's forward line.
The only problem is, Bournemouth are unwilling to part ways with their star striker in January, but with Alex Scott already pushing for an exit, his teammate could follow.
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Nicolo Tresoldi
Arsenal raided Club Brugge this summer when they captured winger Christos Tzolis, and it appears they could return to the Belgian Pro League in pursuit of Nicolo Tresoldi.
According to Italian outlet Tuttosport, the Gunners are among the clubs leading the race for Tresoldi, who has become one of Europe's most prolific forwards with 32 goals in 69 appearances for Brugge since joining from Hannover in 2025.
Capable of dropping deep to link play and crashing the box to finish chances, the Germany U21 international would slot perfectly into Arteta's forward line alongside Bukayo Saka and former teammate Tzolis, while offering strong competition for Havertz.
Arsenal will have to fend off huge interest in the 22-year-old, though, as Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are among the favourites to land his signature.
Erling Haaland
The above three options are arguably somewhat attainable in January and beyond, while Manchester City goal machine Erling Haaland is a dream signing that could only become a reality if the Cityzens are relegated.
Relegation from the Premier League is one punishment City could face if they aren't successful in their appeal after the independent commission found them guilty of breaching almost all of their 115 charges.
Arsenal have reportedly shown an interest in Haaland if the Cityzens are expelled from England's top flight, and the Norwegian would almost certainly leave if his side are relegated to the Championship.
Should he want to continue playing in the Premier League, then his loyalty towards Man City will be tested after only signing a nine-year contract worth £500,000 a week last year.
Topics: Arsenal, Viktor Gyokeres, Transfer News, Erling Haaland