Viktor Gyokeres could leave Arsenal after surprise Mikel Arteta decision

Arsenal kicked off their Premier League title defence with a convincing 3-0 victory over newly promoted Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium on Friday evening.

Viktor Gyokeres could leave Arsenal after surprise Mikel Arteta decision in curtain-raiser

While the result offered plenty of positives, one decision from manager Mikel Arteta has sparked intense speculation about the future of striker Viktor Gyokeres.

Kai Havertz got the nod to lead the line ahead of the Swedish international, and the German repaid his manager’s faith by scoring the Gunners’ second goal.

Arteta used his full set of substitutes against the Sky Blues, but in a move that raised eyebrows across north London, Gyokeres remained an unused substitute for only the fifth time since joining the club.

The £64 million signing enjoyed a promising debut season with 21 goals in all competitions, finding his rhythm particularly in the latter stages of the campaign.

Throughout the previous season, Gyokeres had experienced games where he started on the bench, but never once did he finish a match without stepping onto the pitch.

Arteta’s decision to leave him out entirely has therefore fuelled theories that an exit could be imminent.

The timing of the omission has only added to the intrigue. Reports from Spain claim that Gyokeres and his representatives have been pushing aggressively for a move to Barcelona, with his agent reportedly in contact with Blaugrana sporting director Deco.

The Catalan giants are actively seeking a striker after failing to land Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez, and they have identified Gyokeres as a prime alternative alongside Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez.

Atletico Madrid could also enter the equation. Arsenal are long-term admirers of Alvarez and continue to maintain a keen interest in the World Cup winner.

Reports suggest the Gunners are preparing a stunning proposal that would include Gyokeres plus a significant cash sum to bring the Argentine to the Emirates.

With the transfer window entering its final week, the next few days could prove decisive. Gyokeres’ failure to make a league appearance has certainly intensified the noise around his future at Arsenal.