Arsenal weighing up Gyokeres exit amid goal drought - report

Credit: Getty Images

Viktor Gyokeres' future at Arsenal is reportedly under discussion behind the scenes, with the club said to be considering a sale if his form does not improve, according to Football Insider.

The Swedish striker arrived at the Emirates last season with a reputation built on prolific scoring spells abroad, but he has struggled to replicate that output in English football. According to the report, Arsenal still regard him as an important squad member, but his lack of goals has created genuine doubts over whether he is the long-term answer up front.

A tough financial calculation

Per Football Insider, Arsenal could even be prepared to sell Gyokeres at a loss if they ultimately decide a change is needed. His underwhelming performances have not attracted significant interest, which would make recouping his original fee difficult were a sale to go through.

Compounding the situation is his status as one of the higher earners in the squad. Should the club move him on, it would free up both a squad slot and significant wage budget to pursue a different type of forward, one the report suggests would be better suited to Mikel Arteta's style of play.

What happens next

For now, nothing is imminent. Gyokeres remains part of the squad and the report stresses that Arsenal still value his contribution, but the question of whether he can turn his form around before the next transfer window is clearly being asked internally.

Any decision is likely to hinge on performances between now and January, as well as the market for alternative strikers who might better fit the system. Arsenal's recruitment team will have to weigh the cost of cutting ties early against the risk of persisting with a forward who has not yet delivered the numbers expected of a marquee signing.

Nothing is confirmed, and Football Insider's report should be treated as an indication of internal thinking rather than a done deal. Arsenal's approach to the situation should become clearer as the season progresses and as Gyokeres' form, or lack of it, continues to be assessed match by match.