Viktor Gyokeres is reportedly becoming frustrated with his current situation at Arsenal, with the Sweden international now said to be open to leaving the club if his limited role continues.
The striker enjoyed a mixed first season at the Emirates. Although he played an important part in Arsenal’s Premier League title-winning campaign, his performances did not quite reach the level many expected after his prolific spell with Sporting CP.
Gyokeres scored an incredible 97 goals in 102 appearances for the Portuguese club, so there was naturally plenty of excitement when Arsenal brought him to England. While nobody expected him to maintain exactly the same numbers in the Premier League, there were hopes he would become a decisive player in the biggest games.
That has not always been the case.
The 28-year-old finished his first Premier League campaign with 14 goals, but none of them came against Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea or Aston Villa.
Despite those concerns, Arsenal were not actively trying to sell Gyokeres during the summer transfer window. However, the striker was reportedly not considered completely untouchable, with the club even said to have considered including him in a potential deal for Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez.
Gyokeres frustrated by reduced role
Things have become even more difficult for Gyokeres this season.
With Kai Havertz back fully fit and performing well, the Sweden international has found himself further down the pecking order. Before Saturday’s match against Brighton, he had played just 12 minutes of Premier League football and had been left on the bench for three of Arsenal’s previous four league games.
It is therefore understandable that speculation about his future has started to grow.
CaughtOffside reported that Gyokeres feels “undervalued” at Arsenal and is now open to considering a move away from the club.
The striker has reportedly started looking at his options, with interest coming from clubs in Serie A and the Saudi Pro League. Ben Jacobs also recently revealed that Gyokeres had been “touted to the Saudi market” during the summer.
However, Arsenal are unlikely to simply allow him to leave in January without having a replacement lined up.
That could potentially bring Real Madrid youngster Endrick into the picture.
Arsenal still in contact with Endrick
Arsenal reportedly explored the possibility of signing Endrick during the summer, and according to TEAMtalk, the door could still be open for a January move.
Interestingly, Endrick is facing a situation at Real Madrid that is not too different from Gyokeres’ problem at Arsenal.
The Brazilian youngster has struggled to establish himself since returning from injury and has found himself further down the attacking pecking order under Jose Mourinho.
Endrick missed a large part of pre-season last year because of injury and had to work his way back into contention. Now, another injury has once again disrupted his progress at a crucial stage of his career.
He made a brief appearance against Elche on Tuesday, but those minutes represent his only competitive action so far this season.
The situation has reportedly left Endrick considering his future.
His representatives are expected to hold discussions with Real Madrid during the extended international break to get a clearer picture of his role and what the club’s long-term plans are for him.
Endrick still wants to succeed at Real Madrid, but he is also conscious that regular football is important for his development.
If the Spanish giants cannot offer him a more prominent role, the 20-year-old could look for a move elsewhere, potentially on a permanent basis.
And Arsenal could once again become an option.
According to the report, the “lines of communication” between Arsenal and Endrick remain open, meaning a January move cannot be completely ruled out.
Much could depend on what happens with Gyokeres in the coming months. If the Swede continues to struggle for regular playing time and Arsenal decide to part ways with him, the club may need to find a replacement quickly.
Endrick could potentially be one of the players they turn to.
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