Barcelona Eye Viktor Gyokeres as Alternative to Julian Alvarez
Barcelona is reportedly considering a move for Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres amid ongoing uncertainties regarding their pursuit of Julian Alvarez. Jose Alvarez Haya indicated that developments are anticipated soon concerning Gyokeres, as the Catalan club looks into the Swedish striker’s current situation.
As Barcelona navigates their search for a new forward, Gyokeres has emerged as an alternate option following Ferran Torres’ recent departure. Despite this, Alvarez continues to top the club’s wishlist. However, Atletico Madrid’s firm stance against entertaining offers for the Argentine striker may compel Barcelona to explore other avenues before the transfer window closes.
Barcelona’s quest for a centre-forward has largely revolved around Alvarez. The Argentine remains the club’s primary target, yet Atletico is resolute about his situation, adding complexity to the negotiations. Because of this, Barcelona has started considering other potential signings, including names like Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez and Luis Suarez from Sporting Lisbon in recent weeks. Although links to these players have been played down, Gyokeres has now come into the mix as a viable candidate.
Reports suggest that Barcelona is preparing to take steps to evaluate Gyokeres’ status in the coming hours. The Gunners’ striker joined Arsenal for approximately €70 million last summer after a successful stint with Sporting Lisbon, where he became known as one of Europe’s most effective strikers. However, his initial season in England proved to be inconsistent, netting 21 goals across all competitions but failing to match the scoring prowess he displayed in Portugal, leading to questions about his starting role at Arsenal.
While there are no indications that Barcelona has halted their chase for Alvarez, the club seems to be prudent in keeping alternative options available should Atletico’s position remain unchanged.
Barcelona could turn their attention towards Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres as uncertainty continues to surround their pursuit of Julian Alvarez.
According to Jose Alvarez Haya, movement is expected in the coming hours regarding Gyokeres, with Barcelona prepared to explore the Swedish striker’s situation.
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The Arsenal forward has emerged as an alternative following Ferran Torres’ departure, although Julian Alvarez remains Barcelona’s primary target.
However, Atletico Madrid’s refusal to even entertain offers for their Argentine star could force the Blaugrana to seriously consider other options before the transfer window closes.
Barcelona to explore Gyokeres as Alvarez alternative
Barcelona’s search for a new centre-forward has been dominated by the Julian Alvarez situation.
The Argentine remains the club’s preferred target, but Atletico Madrid have maintained a firm stance over his future.
Barcelona are interested in signing Viktor Gyokeres. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)
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The Rojiblancos are unwilling to consider selling him to Barcelona, creating a major obstacle for the Catalan side.
Hence, with a deal for Alvarez looking increasingly difficult, several alternative names have been linked with Barcelona in recent weeks.
Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez and Sporting Lisbon striker Luis Suarez were both mentioned as possible options last week. However, those links were eventually played down.
As a result, Gyokeres is now the latest name to enter the conversation.
According to the El Chiringuito journalist, Barcelona are expected to make moves to assess the Arsenal striker’s situation in the coming hours.
Movement is expected between the parties. (Photo by Evan Treacy/Getty Images)
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At this stage, though, there is no suggestion that Barcelona have abandoned their pursuit of Julian Alvarez, but the club appears to be keeping alternative options open in case Atletico Madrid’s position does not change.
Gyokeres coming off a strong debut season
Gyokeres joined Arsenal last summer in a deal worth around €70 million after establishing himself as one of Europe’s most prolific strikers at Sporting Lisbon.
However, his first season in England was more of a mixed bag, finishing the 2025-26 campaign with 21 goals across all competitions for Arsenal.
While that remains a respectable return, his performances created doubts after the remarkable scoring numbers he produced in Portugal.
Gyokeres was unable to replicate the same level of goalscoring dominance he showed at Sporting, and there were periods during the season when he was not an undisputed starter.
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