Arsenal suffer blow as star chooses new agent to force dream move

Arsenal could be forced into the market for another striker in January amid growing uncertainty surrounding Viktor Gyokeres’ future at the Emirates Stadium.

The Sweden international has struggled to make an impact since his big-money arrival from Sporting CP, with Mikel Arteta handing him another opportunity to impress against Lille in the Champions League this week.

However, Gyokeres once again failed to deliver, and remarkably, the 28-year-old is still yet to register a single shot in either the Premier League or Champions League this season.

The striker has played just 56 minutes of Premier League football so far this term, with his lack of opportunities raising further questions about his long-term future in north London.

Football FanCast has previously reported that Gyokeres is keen to leave Arsenal on loan in January, potentially forcing the Gunners to consider alternative options in attack.

Former Arsenal defender Nigel Winterburn recently suggested that doubts over the striker’s signing will persist, particularly while the club continue to be linked with Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez.

“When you spend that much money expecting an out-and-out striker, questions will always be asked about whether it was the right signing,” Winterburn told Metro.

“There was also the link with Julian Alvarez over the summer. Until Gyokeres starts playing regularly, those questions will continue to be asked of both me and Mikel Arteta.”

However, Arsenal’s hopes of eventually landing the Argentina international appear to have suffered a fresh setback, with Alvarez seemingly taking another step towards securing his preferred move elsewhere.

Arsenal dealt Julian Alvarez blow as Barcelona move takes shape

According to reports in Spain, via Sport Witness, Alvarez is closing in on appointing Pablo Barquero as his new agent, having recently parted company with long-term representative Fernando Hidalgo.

The 26-year-old was reportedly frustrated after failing to secure a move to Barcelona during the summer, with the Catalan giants remaining his preferred destination despite Arsenal’s interest.

Barquero has now emerged as the leading candidate to represent Alvarez, with the striker and his family impressed by his approach and an agreement expected to be finalised soon. Crucially, Barquero already has strong connections with Barcelona, having helped Rodri complete his move from Manchester City to the Spanish champions during the summer.

He also knows Alvarez from his time at the Etihad Stadium, where the Argentine played alongside Rodri before joining Atletico Madrid in 2024.

The appointment could therefore represent a significant setback for Arsenal, with Alvarez reportedly keen for his new representative to help engineer a transfer away from Atletico, potentially as early as January.

While there is no guarantee that Barquero’s arrival would result in a move to Barcelona, his existing relationship with the club could give them an advantage over Arteta’s side.

Alvarez has established himself as one of Europe’s most prolific forwards in recent years, having previously helped Manchester City win the treble before moving to Spain.

With Arsenal potentially requiring another centre-forward in January, Alvarez would represent a high-profile alternative to Gyokeres, although his apparent determination to join Barcelona could leave the Gunners facing an uphill battle to secure his signature.