Barcelona Turn to Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres as Julian Alvarez Transfer Stalls

Barcelona could make a move for Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres as uncertainty continues to surround their efforts to sign Julian Alvarez, according to reports in Spain.

The Catalan club is expected to explore Gyokeres’ situation in the coming hours, Spanish television programme “El Chiringuito” reports.

Gyokeres has emerged as a possible alternative for Barcelona following Ferran Torres’ departure, although Alvarez remains the club’s preferred target.

However, Atletico Madrid are reportedly unwilling even to discuss selling their Argentina international, creating a significant obstacle for Barcelona before the transfer window closes.

Alvarez has been at the centre of Barcelona’s search for a new striker. The club continue to favour the 26-year-old, but Atletico are determined not to allow him to move to their La Liga rivals.

With negotiations becoming increasingly difficult, Barcelona have been linked with several other forwards in recent weeks. Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez and Sporting Lisbon striker Luis Suarez were among the names mentioned last week, although those reports were later played down.

Gyokeres is now the latest forward to enter Barcelona’s calculations.

Journalist Jose Alvarez Haya, speaking on “El Chiringuito”, said Barcelona are expected to make an inquiry about the Arsenal striker in the next few hours.

There is currently no indication that Barcelona have abandoned their pursuit of Alvarez. Instead, the club appears keen to keep alternative options open in case Atletico maintain their position.

Gyokeres joined Arsenal last summer in a deal worth about €70m after establishing himself as one of Europe’s most prolific forwards during his time at Sporting Lisbon.

His first season in England was somewhat mixed. He finished the 2025-26 campaign with 21 goals in all competitions for Arsenal, a respectable return but below the exceptional scoring levels he produced in Portugal.

The Sweden international also spent periods of the season outside Arsenal’s regular starting line-up and was unable to reproduce the same dominance he had shown at Sporting.