Barcelona’s €75m Rodri deal masks fresh striker hunt for Gyökeres

Barcelona have sealed midfielder Rodri for €75 million, yet the Catalan giants are already eyeing Arsenal’s 28‑year‑old Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres to bolster an attack that lost Ferran Torres and Robert Lewandowski in the wake of their summer exits, while the club negotiates further terms.

Rodri's €75m arrival

The Spanish side agreed to pay €75 million (R$ 453.2 million) for the England international, a fee that required a €25 million increase over the initial offer to the English club. The additional €25 million was demanded after Barcelona’s first bid was rejected. Rodri’s signing marks Barcelona’s first major investment since the summer window opened.

Barcelona’s search for a new forward follows the €50 million (about R$ 305 million) transfer of Ferran Torres to Paris Saint‑Germain and the contract expiry of Robert Lewandowski in June, ending his three‑year stint at the Camp Nou. Both exits left a void in the club’s attacking options. The departure of Torres to Paris Saint‑Germain was completed earlier this month, while Lewandowski’s contract concluded at the end of June.

Gyökeres as attack option

Viktor Gyökeres, 28, scored 21 goals in his debut season for Arsenal but has not cemented a permanent starting role. His 21‑goal tally came across all competitions, demonstrating his potential despite limited minutes. He was an unused substitute in the Champions League final in May, with Kai Havertz preferred for the Community Shield match against Manchester City, which Arsenal won 3‑0.

Barcelona splurge £65m on Rodri to chase Champions League glory

Gyökeres has gone six consecutive official matches without finding the net, excluding friendlies, highlighting a dip in his scoring rhythm. Nevertheless, Barcelona view him as a viable alternative to Julian Álvarez of Atlético de Madrid, who also remains on the club’s radar.

According to the Spanish programme El Chiringuito, Barcelona will consult the striker’s conditions in the coming hours to assess a possible deal. El Chiringuito reported that Barcelona’s technical staff will evaluate Gyökeres’s wage demands alongside his transfer fee.

Gyökeres featured in the Premier League clash between Everton and Arsenal, a match highlighted in recent coverage. In the Everton‑Arsenal encounter, he entered as a substitute, contributing to the attacking build‑up.

The Reuters picture of the striker was taken by photographer David Klein. Klein’s photograph was published alongside the club’s official statement on the potential signing.