Barcelona Gyökeres move could boost Arsenal’s Osimhen pursuit

Barcelona’s planned move for Viktor Gyökeres could open one route for Arsenal to strengthen their interest in Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen. Arsenal have taken seven points from their last five matches, with three wins, one draw and one defeat-free run.

The Spanish champions are searching for a senior centre forward after Robert Lewandowski’s contract expired at the end of last season. Their need has increased since Ferran Torres moved to Paris Saint-Germain, leaving them short of an established striker before the new La Liga campaign begins.

Barcelona had initially prioritised Atlético Madrid’s Julian Alvarez, but negotiations for the Argentina international have proved difficult. Gyökeres is now viewed as a potentially more accessible alternative, and Barcelona could try to complete the deal before the summer transfer window closes.

A departure for Gyökeres would change Arsenal’s position in their pursuit of Osimhen. The London club have reopened discussions with Galatasaray over the Nigerian forward, but fitting him into the squad and meeting his wage demands had previously presented significant obstacles. Selling Gyökeres could free space and make the proposed move more manageable.

Osimhen remains a Galatasaray player, although his future could depend partly on whether the Turkish champions receive an acceptable offer and secure a replacement. Atlético Madrid forward Alexander Sørloth has been mentioned as one possible option for Galatasaray, while Osimhen’s two goals in the club’s 2-2 draw with Corum in the opening match of their 2026-27 Super Lig campaign indicated that he remains central to the team for now.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is a strong admirer of Osimhen. The Gunners’ next fixture is at home to Coventry in the Premier League on August 21, but the immediate transfer focus is on whether Barcelona’s pursuit of Gyökeres creates the squad and financial flexibility needed to advance their move for the Nigerian striker.