Viktor Gyokeres gives Arsenal transfer answer to change Mikel Arteta's January window plans

Viktor Gyokeres has made it clear that he will not be leaving Sporting CP in January despite links with Arsenal and other major clubs. The Swedish international has continued to haul in the goals for both club and country, only elevating the interest in his profile.

Arsenal are facing calls to reinforce the squad in January but there is a good chance the requisite quality is simply not going to be available in the winter market. Alexander Isak is the other name but the likelihood of Newcastle United being willing to sell this January seems farfetched.

Gyokeres though has been adamant in his stance. Speaking after scoring yet again, this time for Sweden in the Nations League, he provided any potential suitor with a greater timeline of when they can consider making an approach.

“I want to finish this season at Sporting,” he said. “I love it here.

“New club? We will see when the time comes. I want to play, that’s crucial… and there will be also other factors.”

It was always unlikely that a move would happen for Arsenal and Gyokeres for reasons beyond the striker himself. Financial restrictions and needs in other positions too would see a deal at the forward’s £83million release clause appear quite obscene.

However, this does not mean that Arsenal cannot still strengthen during the winter and there is definitely an emphasis on them needing to do so considering the injury problems which keep rearing their head. There is some financial freedom after the deadline day deals for Eddie Nketiah and Aaron Ramdale.

It left little-to-no time to do any meaningful business at the end of the summer but that is not the case now and there is wiggle room to consider moves. The main barrier that is a factor is perhaps the resignation of sporting director Edu Gaspar.

Arsenal executives met during the international break to discuss the process and next steps while also considering future business. It will not be rushed however who they choose to replace the Brazilian.

Mikel Arteta needs to focus on getting his team back to winning ways. Arsenal entering the January window having no competitive reason to make signings regarding the title race would be disastrous so early in the campaign.

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