Arsenal weighing up move for new striker in January

WHAT HAPPENED
Arsenal explored signing a top-level striker during the summer transfer period but were unable to secure a deal. Atletico Madrid’s Julian Álvarez emerged as their main target, but the player preferred a move to Barcelona, and a separate approach for Inter captain Lautaro Martínez was rebuffed by the Italian club.

With no arrival completed before the window closed, Arsenal are widely expected to revisit the striker market in the next transfer window. Meanwhile, Viktor Gyökeres has had only 16 minutes of Premier League action this season and has been an unused substitute on three occasions; he sits behind Kai Havertz for the primary striker role and the club would be willing to sell him if they sign a top-class forward.

KEY CONTEXT
- The club pursued multiple striker options in the summer but achieved no transfer business for a new centre-forward.
- Julian Álvarez was considered the leading summer target, but his preference for Barcelona prevented a move to Arsenal.
- Inter made clear Lautaro Martínez was not available for sale.
- The summer transfer window closed on September 1, 2026.
- Gyökeres’ limited playing time this term has left him behind Kai Havertz in Arsenal’s striker pecking order.

WHY IT MATTERS
Failing to land a marquee striker in the summer keeps Arsenal’s forward options limited and has immediate squad implications: a player like Gyökeres, who has barely featured, could be moved on to make room for a new signing. The club’s intention to return to the market in the next window signals that finding a reliable goal-scorer remains a priority.

WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether Arsenal pursue and secure a striker during the next transfer window (widely expected by observers).
- If the club identifies a new target deemed “top-class” and how that would affect Gyökeres’ future at Arsenal.
- Any changes in the availability or stance of previously linked players, though the source states Álvarez preferred Barcelona and Inter declared Martínez not for sale.

KEY FACTS
- Arsenal explored signing a top striker in the summer but did not complete a deal.
- Julian Álvarez (Atletico Madrid) was the main target but wanted to join Barcelona.
- An enquiry was made for Lautaro Martínez; Inter said he was not for sale.
- Viktor Gyökeres has played 16 minutes in the Premier League this season and has been an unused substitute three times.
- Arsenal are open to selling Gyökeres if they bring in a top-class striker.