Gyökeres Considers Arsenal Exit as Milan, Juventus and Saudi Clubs Move

Viktor Gyökeres is exploring a potential departure from Arsenal ahead of the January transfer window, with his representatives holding preliminary discussions with AC Milan, Juventus, Al-Ahli and Al-Ittihad. The Sweden international striker’s future is also tied to whether interested clubs can present a concrete proposal.

Arsenal’s current attacking hierarchy has shifted quickly. Kai Havertz has increasingly become Mikel Arteta’s preferred central option, with the German international’s tactical versatility and off-the-ball work rate helping him secure a more prominent role. Havertz arrived from Chelsea in 2023 for a reported £65 million.


Gyökeres’ playing time has consequently been constrained in recent months, contributing to his growing frustration under Arteta. The striker was highly productive last season, scoring 21 goals across all competitions as the North London club won the Premier League title and reached the UEFA Champions League final.

Questions have nevertheless persisted within the coaching staff about Gyökeres’ broader tactical fit and overall contribution to Arteta’s fluid possession system. Arsenal is not actively forcing the Swedish international out, but executives are reportedly open to negotiations if a major attacking replacement becomes available in January.

One player being monitored as a possible successor is FC Lorient forward Eli Junior Kroupi. The 18-year-old French youth international has received widespread praise in France for his technical versatility and goalscoring instincts, and Arsenal is evaluating him as a viable long-term prospect for Arteta’s attacking options.

The club’s recruitment planning comes during a transitional period for the front office. Sporting Director Edu Gaspar departed in late 2024, leaving managing director Richard Garlick and the remaining recruitment staff to navigate the upcoming winter window while Arsenal continues monitoring the European market for emerging talent.

AC Milan is among the clubs considering Gyökeres as it seeks long-term stability in its frontline under manager Paulo Fonseca. The Italian side has relied on veteran leadership since Olivier Giroud moved to Major League Soccer, while Juventus manager Thiago Motta wants additional dynamic attacking depth to support Serbian international Dušan Vlahović during the Turin-based club’s domestic and European campaign.

Saudi Pro League interest reflects the financial muscle of the Gulf state’s top-flight competition. Backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Jeddah-based Al-Ahli already features England international Ivan Toney, while Al-Ittihad is led by former Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema. Both clubs have identified Gyökeres as a marquee target capable of strengthening their bids for domestic dominance.

As January approaches, the striker’s next move remains contingent on playing time guarantees, Arsenal’s progress in securing a viable replacement and the willingness of European or Middle Eastern suitors to submit a concrete proposal.