Arsenal 'turn attention' to Viktor Gyokeres alternative as Bukayo Saka solution emerges

Arsenal 'turn attention' to Viktor Gyokeres alternative as Bukayo Saka solution emerges

The latest Arsenal news and transfer rumours including updates on Atalanta's Mateo Retegui and PSG's Randal Kolo Mu

Arsenal are in a reasonably strong position at Christmas as they sit third in the Premier League standings and third in the Champions League table with two games left to play before the knockouts.

Domestically, Mikel Arteta 's side have won nine of their 17 league games so far and are six points behind leaders Liverpool. They have also reached the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup with the first of the two legs against Newcastle United set to be played next month.

Before that, Arsenal will need to navigate league games against Ipswich Town, Brentford and Brighton as they look to close the gap at the top of the table. The January transfer market could also present an opportunity for Arteta to bolster his squad ahead of a crucial second half of the season.

With that being said, PaperTalk have looked at the latest transfer news and rumours at Arsenal...

Arsenal 'turn attention' to Viktor Gyokeres alternative

Arsenal have reportedly shifted their attention away from Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres ahead of the January transfer window. The Gunners continue to be linked with attacking reinforcements, with Alexander Isak also among those previously tipped to complete the switch to the Emirates Stadium.

However, it has now emerged in Italy that Arsenal are monitoring Atalanta forward Mateo Retegui. Calciomercato [via CaughtOffside ] claim the Gunners have recently sent scouts to monitor the 25-year-old, while Paris Saint-Germain can also be credited with interest in Retegui.

Although born in Argentina, Retegui represents the Italian national team and has just shy of 20 caps to his name. He signed for Atalanta in the summer from Serie A rivals Genoa and is under contract until at least the summer of 2028.

It's difficult to keep up with the number of strikers Arsenal are linked with, but these recent rumours could make a lot of sense. Gyokeres is hot property ahead of the January transfer window and it's fair to say competition for his signature will be extremely strong. For Arsenal, shifting their attention elsewhere could allow them to snap a top talent from right under their rival's noses. Retegui has already scored 14 for Atalanta across all competitions this season, so how willing the Italian club are to part ways with him mid-season remains to be seen.

Arsenal 'offered' Bukayo Saka solution

Elsewhere, it's been a troubling few days for Arsenal after it emerged Bukayo Saka is set for a spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury. The 23-year-old limped off during their Premier League victory against Crystal Palace over the weekend and reports suggest the problem could be worse than first feared.

Ahead of such a crucial point of the season, Saka's absence will come as a major blow for the Gunners. The Evening Standard now report that Arsenal are likely to be offered the opportunity to sign PSG forward Randal Kolo Muani, but are yet to decide whether to enter the transfer market for a winger.

Kolo Muani was signed by the Ligue 1 club from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2023 but he hasn't quite hit the heights expected of him. The 26-year-old was understandably behind Kylian Mbappe during his time at the club, but Kolo Muani has also struggled for game time this season, despite Mbappe's move to Real Madrid.