Atletico could revive interest in Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres

WHAT HAPPENED
Atletico Madrid could revive their interest in Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres next year if Julian Álvarez departs the Spanish club for Barcelona. Atletico explored signing Gyokeres during the summer and were prepared to use him as a makeweight in a deal for Álvarez, but that move did not materialise.

KEY CONTEXT
Álvarez was not open to a move to Arsenal in the summer, reportedly reluctant to return to the Premier League because of residency issues for his family. After failing to join Barcelona this summer, the Argentine has changed his agency and could push for a switch next summer, leaving Atletico to consider alternatives.

GYOKERES' SITUATION AT ARSENAL
Gyokeres is said to be unsettled at Arsenal and has featured for only 29 minutes in the Premier League so far this campaign, with manager Mikel Arteta preferring Kai Havertz to lead the line. Gyokeres could make his first league start of the season against Leeds United on Saturday, as Havertz is nursing a minor hamstring injury.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Atletico’s interest is conditional on Álvarez’s situation: if the Argentine moves on next year, Atletico may renew their pursuit of Gyokeres. Separately, Gyokeres’ involvement against Leeds this weekend could provide an early indication of his short-term role at Arsenal.