Arsenal identify Viktor Gyokeres ‘Plan B’

Arsenal have reportedly identified Atalanta forward Mateo Retegui as an alternative to Sporting CP goal machine Viktor Gyokeres.

The Gunners are set to sign a new centre forward next summer, amid Kai Havertz’s recent struggles and the likely departure of Gabriel Jesus, and they have sounded out Retegui as a possible option.

That is according to CaughtOffside, who report that a deal could be agreed with Atalanta if Arsenal lodge a bid of at least €50 million.

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Gyokeres remains Arsenal’s priority target, but Retegui has reportedly emerged as a ‘Plan B’ alternative following his immense start to life under Gian Piero Gasperini at Atalanta.

The Italy international joined the Bergamo outfit from Genoa for €22m in August and he currently leads the goalscoring charts in Serie A with 11 goals in just 12 league appearances so far this season.

Atalanta are eager to keep Retegui, but they could be forced to sell the 25-year-old if they receive a suitable offer when the 2025 summer transfer window opens.

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Arsenal to sign a new striker?

In addition to Gyokeres and Retegui, Arsenal are monitoring the likes of Benjamin Sesko, Dusan Vlahovic and Alexander Isak as they search for a new number nine to bolster Mikel Arteta’s starting XI, while Jhon Duran has also been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium.

Havertz has started every Premier League fixture as Arsenal’s centre forward so far this term, but he is without a goal in his last four English top flight appearances and the Gunners have failed to win any of those games.

Jesus, on the other hand, has only scored once in 15 matches since the start of the 2024-25 campaign.

Arsenal were recently urged to sign a new striker by Alan Shearer, who told The Athletic: “I’ve been impressed with what I’ve seen from Havertz this season [but]… I haven’t changed my view since last season.

“They’ve got Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus, but I’d still say they need an out-and-out centre-forward. They needed one in the summer. They still do now.”