Barcelona preparing move for £64m Arsenal star 'in the coming hours'
Barcelona are preparing an approach for Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres following Ferran Torres’ departure to Paris Saint-Germain.
The Sweden international had a good debut season with the Gunners, scoring 21 goals across all competitions. There is still speculation regarding his future.
Atletico Madrid were credited with an interest in the 28-year-old earlier this summer. It was reported that they could propose a part-exchange deal with Julian Alvarez.
El Chiringuito TV journalist Jose Alvarez has now revealed that Barcelona are ‘expected’ to make a move regarding Gyokeres ‘in the coming hours’.
The striker is viewed as a target after Torres’ move to PSG, and his situation will be explored.
Arsenal should not part ways with Gyokeres
Gyokeres signed for the Gunners from Sporting CP for an overall package of £64 million last summer.
The former Portuguese champions tried to offer him to multiple European clubs, but the Swede made it clear he wanted to join Mikel Arteta’s side.
Gyokeres had a testing first half of the season. He was unconvincing with his hold-up play and struggled to convert the minimal chances created for him.
However, the ex-Coventry City man undoubtedly improved during the back end of the campaign. He scored 14 of his 21 goals after the turn of the year.
The 28-year-old lost his starting spot to a fully fit Kai Havertz in the final phase of last season, and the same was the case in the Community Shield yesterday.
Havertz has fully capitalised with goals against Burnley, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City, but we believe Gyokeres is still a premium striker for the club.
He may not track back into midfield as Havertz does, but he offers something different upfront with his physicality and ability to get into good scoring positions.
His winning goal against Everton at the Emirates Stadium was a prime example last term.
There has been talk of Arsenal pursuing Victor Osimhen from Galatasaray. The Nigerian star has traits similar to Gyokeres and would once again need several months to adapt to the playing style and the league’s physicality. No formal bid has been made thus far.
Alvarez is another striker target for the Gunners, but the Argentine quite clearly wants to join Barcelona. We feel Arsenal should not contemplate Gyokeres’ exit and should keep him as Havertz’s direct competitor, with Gabriel Jesus poised to leave the club.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
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