Arsenal went into the summer of 2025 needing a striker, and after months of homework, they ultimately chose Viktor Gyokeres.

Mikel Arteta reportedly wanted Benjamin Sesko, who of course went on to join Manchester United, but Andrea Berta pushed for the Swede instead. A year and a bit later, Gyokeres hasn’t started a Premier League game this season, and he’s now ready to move on.

Viktor Gyokeres wants to leave Arsenal in January

According to TEAMtalk, Viktor Gyokeres is set to push for a January exit, with intermediaries already assessing potential destinations. Atletico Madrid are interested, along with clubs in the Premier League, Italy and Germany.

The report also outlines the two main reasons behind his frustration. The first is simply a lack of minutes, with Kai Havertz preferred up front and Gyokeres only appearing off the bench in the league. The second is Arsenal’s pursuit of Julian Alvarez over the summer, which raised questions over how much the £64million striker features in the club’s long-term plans. Arsenal remain keen on Alvarez, and they’re reportedly open to letting Gyokeres go as they look to bring in another forward.

It’s not hard to see why he’s frustrated. Gyokeres scored 21 goals last season, including 14 in the Premier League, as Arsenal won the title and reached the Champions League final. He’s also just scored four goals for Sweden during the international break. But he hasn’t scored for Arsenal since May, and he’s now failed to register a shot on target in 40 of his 62 appearances for the club.

Arteta was asked about Gyokeres’ confidence in his press conference on Friday, and was quick to defend him, suggesting his teammates haven’t been finding him in the right areas.

Should Arsenal let Viktor Gyokeres leave in January?

Whatever you think about Gyokeres, Arsenal needed him last season. And they will need him at times this season, too. Selling in January only makes sense if Arsenal already have a replacement lined up.

Havertz is first choice for good reason, but he’s had two serious injuries in the last two years, and he managed just 12 Premier League appearances last season. If he goes down again, Mikel Merino is the only other player who’s done the job, and he’s spent this season back in midfield.

That’s why Gyokeres still has value to Arsenal, even on the bench. Unless they can land Alvarez or another striker in the winter window, letting him leave halfway through a title race wouldn’t be smart. Next summer, though, will probably be the right time to move on.