Viktor Gyokeres is edging towards the Arsenal exit door, with AC Milan reportedly exploring a January move for the Swedish centre-forward.

Gyokeres arrived at the Emirates Stadium last summer as a long-awaited focal point in attack — the clinical striker Mikel Arteta's side had been searching for. On paper, his debut season delivered: 21 goals across all competitions, enough to make him Arsenal's top scorer as the club lifted a first Premier League title in 22 years and reached a second-ever UEFA Champions League final.

Concerns beyond the scoresheet

Despite those numbers, Gyokeres drew criticism throughout the campaign for his overall contributions. His hold-up play and aerial threat were widely judged to be below the level expected of a Premier League no. 9, and those concerns lingered into the new season.

FourFourTwo understands that Arsenal explored selling Gyokeres in the summer. When the transfer window closed, Arteta had yet to hand the 28-year-old a Premier League start, with Kai Havertz consistently preferred in attack. Mikel Merino has also offered an option in the forward line.

Milan's interest and the Amorim factor

Italian outlet PianetaMilan reports that AC Milan are weighing up a move for Gyokeres, with early exploratory contact already made. The Rossoneri signed Goncalo Ramos in the summer, but the Portuguese forward has struggled to settle in Serie A.

Crucially, Milan's manager Ruben Amorim knows Gyokeres intimately. The pair worked together at Sporting, where the Swede struck 97 times in 102 appearances — a league return in Portugal that exceeded a goal per game and persuaded Arsenal to invest in him.

FourFourTwo understands that Milan favour a loan arrangement. Gyokeres himself is said to be unhappy with his limited role at Arsenal and would prefer regular first-team football over a place on the bench at the Premier League champions.

Arsenal's broader attacking picture

Arsenal's attacking options were significantly reshaped over the summer, with Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, and Leandro Trossard all departing. Christos Tzolis was the only addition to compensate. FourFourTwo understands the club remain keen to strengthen in attack.

Meanwhile, Arteta continues to monitor Julian Alvarez, who has yet to be fully reintegrated into the starting XI at Atletico Madrid following reduced interest from Barcelona. Gyokeres is valued at €65 million according to Transfermarkt.

Arsenal return to Premier League action against Leeds United after the international break.