Arsenal have started their Premier League title defence with three consecutive victories, collecting nine points from their opening three matches.
Mikel Arteta’s side beat Aston Villa 1-0 before overcoming Chelsea by 2-1. They sit second behind Manchester City on goal difference.
The Gunners also reshaped their squad significantly during the summer. Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard all departed.
Arsenal strengthened elsewhere by signing Bruno Guimaraes, Ezri Konsa, Christos Tzolis and Illan Meslier. They also made Piero Hincapie’s loan permanent.
However, their failure to land Julian Alvarez left Arsenal without one of their primary attacking targets.
Attention has now turned towards the future of Viktor Gyokeres and Arsenal’s plans for their centre-forward options.
According to TEAMtalk, Arsenal will only consider selling Gyokeres if they have already lined up a top-class replacement.
Arteta continues to view Kai Havertz as an important part of his attacking system. Therefore, Arsenal would demand an exceptional replacement before sanctioning Gyokeres’ departure.
The Gunners consider Alvarez the closest fit for their requirements because of his movement, pressing and finishing.
However, the Argentine informed Arsenal during the summer that he would only consider leaving Atletico Madrid for Barcelona.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have also shown interest in England striker Ivan Toney. Sources involved in the situation view Toney as a potential like-for-like replacement for Gyokeres rather than an upgrade on Havertz.
Arsenal therefore have no intention of weakening their current squad simply to facilitate a Gyokeres sale.
The club could alternatively recruit a younger striker capable of gradually learning Arteta’s tactical demands.
For now, the Gunners intend to continue with their existing options unless an exceptional opportunity emerges.
Gyokeres will consequently remain at Arsenal unless the club can secure a replacement who meets Arteta’s specific requirements.
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