Arsenal to offer Viktor Gyokeres in part-exchange for 'priority' target

Arsenal are ready to offer Viktor Gyokeres in part-exchange for priority target Julian Alvarez, sources have told Football Insider.

The Gunners are willing to discuss a cash-plus-player swap deal as they ramp up plans to bid for the Argentine striker.

The Premier League champions are expecting Atletico Madrid to refuse to sell Alvarez to domestic rivals Barcelona, after publicly mocking their interest on social media site X.

Alvarez has scored 49 goals and registered 17 assists in 106 appearances for Atleti since joining from Man City in 2024 for £64.4million, rising to £81.5m. 

The 26-year-old has an astonishing £430m release clause written into his contract, and Real Madrid had a £130m bid rejected for his services last month.

Atletico have reiterated their plan to stand firm against any interest in the Argentina striker, so Arsenal are drawing up a different plan to tempt them into a sale.

Arsenal ready to let Viktor Gyokeres go

Gyokeres impressed at times but mainly struggled to score regularly in his debut season at Arsenal following a £55m move from Sporting CP.

He ended the campaign with 21 goals in 55 appearances, and was left out of the starting eleven for their Champions League final clash against PSG.

Many fans remain unconvinced about his long-term impact as the Gunners aim to build a Premier League dynasty under Mikel Arteta.

Alvarez has already proven his quality in the Premier League and recently helped Argentina reach a successive World Cup final.

The 26-year-old registered 20 goals and 10 assists in 52 appearances for Atletico last season, and has made it clear that he wishes to leave the club this summer.

What has Alvarez said about leaving Atletico?

Sources have revealed to Football Insider that Alvarez is prioritising a move to Barcelona ahead of any other club right now.

Atletico have made it very clear that they have no plans to let him join a La Liga rival this summer, however, even though he has expressed a desire to depart.

Speaking to reporters at the World Cup last month, he said: "I spoke with people at the club (Atletico), with those I had to speak with, and the best thing for everyone is a transfer as I want to fulfil my dream. It's not the time to talk about this, but I also can't hide it. I try to be an honest person."

Arsenal could make a move for his services before the end of the summer window, but it remains unclear whether Atletico will accept a part-exchange deal.