Galatasaray Set to Test Arsenal Over Viktor Gyokeres in January

Galatasaray are preparing to move for Viktor Gyokeres, with the Turkish champions set to make a formal enquiry to Arsenal over the Swedish striker’s availability in the January transfer window. The 28-year-old’s stock at the Emirates has dropped sharply, and Galatasaray sense an opportunity to strengthen their forward line mid-season.

According to a report by Turkish Football, Galatasaray’s board is exploring financial parameters to determine whether a loan or a structured proposal could be tabled once the winter window opens. Okan Buruk is described as the driving force behind the interest, keen to add physical presence to his attack ahead of the second half of the 2025/26 Super Lig title defence.

Arsenal’s Growing Frustration with Gyokeres

Gyokeres has swung between highs and lows since arriving at Arsenal from Sporting CP last year. His debut campaign started slowly, but he steadied himself to finish with 21 goals and three assists across 55 appearances in all competitions.

That form has not carried into the new season. Gyokeres has lost his place as first-choice striker in the early stages of 2026/27, managing just 207 minutes across five appearances while Kai Havertz has taken over as the primary centre-forward. The shift has fuelled speculation about his long-term future in North London.

Criticism intensified after a flat cameo against Chelsea in the Premier League, with Jamie Carragher among those questioning his impact off the bench. The summer window already carried rumours of an exit, as Barcelona briefly weighed a move before turning to Gabriel Jesus instead. A switch to Turkiye now looks like the next possible chapter.

A Crowded Striker Room at Galatasaray

Galatasaray’s pursuit of Gyokeres raises questions given their summer recruitment. The club signed Deniz Gul from FC Porto, giving Okan Buruk three senior strikers to manage. Victor Osimhen remains the talismanic focal point of the attack, while Ada Yuzgec has been promoted into the first-team squad after impressing at youth level.

Turkish Football notes that Gyokeres has emerged as a target purely because of his physical profile, the kind of presence Buruk wants available for specific matches and tactical setups. Regular minutes are unlikely to be guaranteed even if a move materialises, given the depth already on hand.

Recent reporting suggests Arsenal could sanction a January sale if Gyokeres continues to struggle for minutes, a scenario that would strengthen Galatasaray’s hand in any negotiation. Whether an ambitious loan or a permanent structure ends up on the table, the coming weeks will determine if this pursuit turns into an actual bid.

Stay with TipsGG for continuing coverage of the January transfer window and every major move involving Arsenal and Galatasaray.