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Viktor Gyökeres camp holds talks over Arsenal exit as two clubs circle

Viktor Gyokeres’ Arsenal future is facing fresh scrutiny after reports of preliminary contact with AC Milan and Juventus.

The Sweden international has struggled for regular Premier League minutes at the start of his second season in north London, with Kai Havertz currently ahead of him in Mikel Arteta’s striker hierarchy.

That situation has already created speculation around Gyokeres.

Now two Serie A giants are being linked with a potential move.

Milan and Juventus linked with Viktor Gyokeres

According to Football Italia, Gyokeres’ representatives have held preliminary talks with Milan and Juventus regarding a possible Arsenal exit.

The report follows claims from FourFourTwo that Milan are exploring the possibility of signing the striker.

No agreement has been reached and there is no indication that Arsenal have accepted an offer.

The situation should therefore still be regarded as an early transfer development rather than an advanced deal.

However, the involvement of two major Italian clubs makes Gyokeres’ future increasingly worth monitoring ahead of January.

Milan could offer Gyokeres route away from Arsenal

Milan are an intriguing potential destination.

Ruben Amorim is now in charge at San Siro and previously worked with Gyokeres during the striker’s prolific spell at Sporting.

Gyokeres scored 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting before Arsenal brought him back to English football.

Reuniting with a manager who built an attack around his strengths would therefore have obvious appeal if Milan decide to pursue the Sweden international.

Reports suggest Milan are considering the structure of a potential deal rather than having submitted a formal bid.

Juventus are also credited with interest, increasing the possibility of competition for Gyokeres if Arsenal become willing to negotiate.

Gyokeres struggling for Arsenal minutes

The transfer speculation comes during a difficult period for the 28-year-old.

Gyokeres finished his first Arsenal season with 21 goals in all competitions as the Gunners won the Premier League and reached the Champions League final.

This season has been very different.

Havertz has established himself as Arteta’s preferred centre-forward in the Premier League, leaving Gyokeres reliant on limited minutes and cup opportunities.

We previously looked at how Gyokeres went from Arsenal’s £63million headline signing to an increasingly peripheral figure.

His recent Champions League start against Napoli did little to strengthen his case, with the striker managing only nine touches and no shots before being replaced.

Our analysis of Gyokeres’ difficult night against Napoli highlighted how disconnected he became from Arsenal’s attack.

Arsenal have decision to make before January

Arsenal have previously resisted attempts to portray Gyokeres as a player they are desperate to sell.

Earlier in the summer, reports linking the striker with Atlético Madrid were played down, while the club retained him despite significant speculation around Julian Álvarez.

Circumstances can change quickly.

Gyokeres is now behind Havertz for Premier League starts and Sweden head coach Graham Potter recently acknowledged the difficult opening to his season while publicly backing the striker.

We covered Potter’s message to Gyokeres during the international break.

If his opportunities remain limited after the break, speculation around January is unlikely to disappear.

For now, there is no completed deal, formal bid or confirmation that Arsenal intend to sell.

But reported preliminary contact involving Milan and Juventus means Gyokeres’ future has moved beyond a purely hypothetical debate.

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Graduate Sports Journalist with a love for football.

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