Arsenal Reportedly Ready to Release Gyokeres, Four European and Arab Clubs Have Explored
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- Viktor Gyokeres dilaporkan merasa tidak dihargai setelah tersingkir dari starting XI Arsenal, dan perwakilannya telah menggelar pembicaraan awal dengan AC Milan, Juventus, Al-Ahli, serta Al-Ittihad.
- Meski Arsenal enggan melepas karena kontrak lima tahun dan peran dalam gelar musim lalu, kebutuhan akan menit bermain reguler menjelang Piala Dunia 2026 dapat memaksa Gyokeres hengkang pada Januari.
- Situasi ini menjadi alarm bagi klub-klub Indonesia yang merekrut pemain asing: ketidakpastian menit bermain bisa memicu eksodus serupa, sementara Arsenal harus menjaga harmoni skuad di tengah jadwal padat.
Arsenal faces an unexpected dilemma amidst their perfect start in the Premier League: expensive striker Viktor Gyokeres is reportedly feeling undervalued, and his representatives have explored a potential January transfer. According to a report by Mark Brus from The Daily Briefing, initial talks have taken place with AC Milan, Juventus, Al-Ahli, and Al-Ittihad—though no official contact has been made between clubs.
Arsenal's confidence this season is indeed extraordinary. Four consecutive league wins, conceding only one goal, plus a 1-0 victory at Napoli in the Champions League and significant rotation when beating Ipswich Town 4-2 in the Carabao Cup, demonstrate an impressive squad depth. However, behind this excellent performance, a classic problem emerges: fierce internal competition forces a star player to sacrifice playing time.
Gyokeres, who was signed from Sporting in 2025 on a five-year contract, is now behind Kai Havertz in Mikel Arteta's attacking hierarchy. He has only featured in cup competitions, while Havertz is trusted in the league. This situation has fueled speculation that the Swedish player is starting to look for an exit. Piers Morgan even mentioned that Gyokeres was very unhappy and felt disrespected.
From Arsenal's perspective, there is no financial pressure to sell. Gyokeres is still under a long-term contract and played a role in last season's title success. Arteta is also aware that injuries or a dip in form could change the attacking pecking order in an instant. However, keeping an unhappy player could disrupt dressing room harmony—especially when the team is in positive momentum.
"Gyokeres feels unsettled and undervalued," wrote Brus, quoting sources close to the player. "Discussions at agent level have already taken place, and if his role does not improve, the situation could escalate more seriously."
For Indonesian clubs, Gyokeres' case serves as a mirror. Liga 1 often faces similar situations when foreign players feel they are not getting enough playing time and then choose to leave in the next transfer window. Clubs like Persija, Persib, or Bali United need to learn from Arsenal: managing the egos of star players is as important as devising strategies on the field. Transparent communication and fair rotation can prevent damaging player exodus.
On the other hand, the interest from Saudi Arabian clubs shows that their financial appeal remains a magnet for European players seeking guaranteed playing time and high wages. If Gyokeres truly moves to Al-Ahli or Al-Ittihad, it would be a blow to Arsenal's prestige but also a reminder that sports projects in the Middle East are becoming increasingly aggressive.
Until January, Gyokeres still has time to turn things around. Opportunities in the Carabao Cup and Champions League could be his proving ground. However, if he remains sidelined, the discussions that are currently just agent talks could turn into serious negotiations. Will Arsenal keep an unhappy player for squad depth, or release him to maintain harmony? This decision will test Arteta's management acumen in the winter transfer window.
