Gyokeres pushes for Arsenal exit in January over lack of game time
Viktor Gyokeres is ready to leave Arsenal in the next winter window. The 28-year-old Swedish forward believes his role at the London club has been too limited and plans to push for a transfer in January. His stance opens an unexpected front in Arsenal's attacking plans.
ByNatilla5 min read
Viktor Gyokeres has made up his mind: he wants out of Arsenal. The 28-year-old Sweden forward, unhappy with his supporting role in the London side, is planning to force his departure in the winter market to find the minutes he has been missing. His move could shape the club's attacking planning in the middle of a Premier League campaign.
What Gyokeres wants from a January move
The Swedish international has grown tired of waiting. At 28, he feels he is at a stage of his career where he needs to be important every weekend, and he has not managed to secure that role at the Emirates. A lack of playing time is the main reason behind a stance that has become major news in England.
Gyokeres arrived in London with a reputation as a goalscorer and the aim of competing for a place at the top of the attack. The reality has been different: chances have not come as often as expected and the player is willing to listen to offers as soon as the January window opens.
Xabi Alonso's Chelsea target two Barcelona players
While Arsenal deal with the possible loss of Gyokeres, Chelsea are looking at the market with ambition. Xabi Alonso wants to strengthen his squad in January and has set his sights on two Barcelona names: French centre-back Jules Kounde, 27, and Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong, 29.
The coach is keen to add depth to a team that expects to compete on every front. Kounde would bring versatility and leadership at the back, while De Jong would add class and composure in the engine room. Both are top-level names and any move would depend on Barcelona's position.
Chelsea eye a young Borussia Dortmund prospect
Chelsea are also looking to the future. Mathis Albert, a 17-year-old American winger, has entered the London club's radar after breaking through at Borussia Dortmund. The teenager has made only one senior appearance in Germany, but his talent is not going unnoticed across Europe.
A move for Albert would fit the club's policy of signing young talent before its value soars. The winger combines pace, dribbling and a precocious understanding of the game that appeals to clubs betting on medium-term development.
Liverpool, Milan and other open fronts in the market
Liverpool are keeping a close eye on Felix Nmecha, a Borussia Dortmund midfielder. The Reds' priority is Alex Scott of Bournemouth, but if that deal stalls, the 26-year-old Germany international is seen as a strong alternative to strengthen the middle of the park.
From Italy comes another significant move: AC Milan are preparing a contract extension for Adrien Rabiot. The Rossoneri want to tie the French midfielder down until 2030 after an impressive start to the season at 31. Rabiot has been a reliable piece and extending his deal is a bet on stability.
Premier League eyes Brazil and a return from the Championship
Wesley, a 23-year-old Brazilian defender at AS Roma, has attracted interest from three Premier League giants. Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle have all shown interest in the full-back, whose growth in Serie A has not gone unnoticed by English scouts.
Elsewhere in English football, Solly March is closing in on a return. The 32-year-old former Brighton defender is set to join Championship side Charlton Athletic on a free transfer. The full-back had been without a club since the Seagulls released him in July and could be back in league action in the coming weeks.
Young talents breaking into the plans of top clubs
The market for emerging talent keeps moving fast. Oliver Mansson, a 17-year-old Swedish midfielder at IFK Goteborg, is on the radar of Arsenal and Chelsea. His ability to run the game from the centre of the park has made him one of the most watched names in northern Europe.
Chelsea's move for Gessime Yassine is also progressing. The 20-year-old Moroccan winger, currently at Strasbourg, is in advanced talks to join the London side. His pace and willingness to run at defenders from the flank fit the profile Chelsea are looking for to add freshness in attack.
At the same time, two English clubs have publicly ruled out a move for Maxi Araujo. Both Arsenal and Manchester United have made it clear that the 26-year-old Sporting CP left-back is not in their plans. His name had been circulating heavily in recent days, but no offer will be made.
January transfer window FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Why does Viktor Gyokeres want to leave Arsenal in January?
The 28-year-old Sweden forward believes he is not getting the minutes he wants at the London club. As a result, he plans to push for a transfer in the winter window and find a team where he can be a key figure.
Which Barcelona players are interesting Chelsea under Xabi Alonso?
Chelsea have focused on two Barcelona players: French defender Jules Kounde and Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong. The London club sees both as high-level signings who could add depth to the squad in January.
What options do Liverpool have to strengthen their midfield?
Liverpool's first choice is Alex Scott, a midfielder at Bournemouth. If that deal cannot be completed, they would turn to Felix Nmecha of Borussia Dortmund as an alternative to reinforce the centre of the pitch.