Barcelona weigh Viktor Gyokeres approach as search for Ferran Torres replacement intensifies

Barcelona are preparing to make contact with Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres in the coming hours as they look for a replacement for Ferran Torres, who is set to move to Paris Saint-Germain.

According to SPORT, citing El Chiringuito and journalist Jose Alvarez, Barcelona are expected to sound out the Sweden international’s position before deciding whether to pursue a deal. The Catalan club are assessing Gyokeres as a possible attacking addition following Torres’ departure.

Gyokeres is not Barcelona’s preferred target, however. Julian Alvarez, the Atletico de Madrid forward, remains the club’s leading option. Barcelona are ready to explore an alternative route if they fail to make progress in their efforts to sign the Argentina international.

The possibility of a move for Gyokeres comes despite questions over whether he has fully reproduced the form that made him such a prolific striker at Sporting CP. He finished last season with 21 goals in all competitions for Arsenal, but those figures have not entirely removed doubts about his performances in England.

The Swedish forward has also experienced periods when he was not an automatic starter for Mikel Arteta’s side. That has prompted further scrutiny, particularly given that Arsenal invested about 70m euros to bring him to the club.

Arsenal’s interest in Alvarez is being viewed as further evidence that Arteta may have reservations about Gyokeres. The London club made a serious attempt to sign Alvarez, but the move was rejected by the player.

Alvarez has previously played in English football and is reported to want a move to Barcelona. His preference has complicated Arsenal’s pursuit and has left Barcelona continuing to regard him as the main target for their attack.

If the Alvarez chase does not advance, Barcelona could turn their attention more firmly towards Gyokeres. The initial step is expected to be an assessment of the striker’s situation and willingness to consider a move to Camp Nou.

The latest information was reported by Jose Alvarez, who posted:

🚨 EXCLUSIVA de@10JoseAlvarez.👉 En las proximas horas se esperan movimientos por Gyokeres en Barcelona.👀 El delantero se considera una alternativa tras la salida de Ferran y se tanteara su situacion.pic.twitter.com/V6UoJ0OylZ

Barcelona’s prospective approach would therefore represent an early move rather than confirmation of a completed transfer. The club are expected to clarify Gyokeres’ position while continuing to pursue Alvarez, with the Swedish striker currently considered the contingency option should their primary plan fail.