According to a report by footballTransfers on Friday October 23, 2026, Viktor Gyökeres has yet to become the undisputed first-choice striker Arsenal hoped he would be when he arrived from Sporting in 2025.

As speculation grows that the Sweden international could leave next year, attention has turned to who might fit Mikel Arteta’s plans.

Arsenal’s search would be about more than finding a big name. Any new forward would need to suit Arteta’s tactical demands.

Using SciSports data on current ability and potential, FootballTransfers has ranked five centre-forwards who could fit the profile, excluding targets considered unrealistic.

SciSports’ SciSkill rating assesses players through hundreds of in-game actions. Gyökeres currently scores 108.1, with a potential rating of 112.3.

Thiago announced himself in the Premier League with 22 goals for Brentford last season. His impact has been less striking this term, but his proven ability in England could appeal to Arsenal.

The Gunners were linked with a reported €92 million (£77m) bid during the summer, though that interest did not develop further.

Arsenal have previously been linked with Álvarez, who brings Premier League experience from his time at Manchester City. His movement, technique and finishing continue to make him an attractive option for elite clubs.

A move could be difficult, however. Atlético are reported to have set a €500 million release clause, while Álvarez has been linked with a preference for Barcelona over a return to England.

Højlund struggled to meet expectations at Manchester United, so an Arsenal move would likely invite scrutiny.

But SciSports sees room for significant improvement, pointing to his first season at Napoli, where he scored 12 goals and supplied five assists.

Of the five players on this list, Højlund has the widest gap between his current rating and potential. That suggests promise, but also a need for development.

Barry’s work rate could suit Arteta’s demands, even if his goalscoring record has yet to match his effort. He scored eight Premier League goals last season after a slow start and has already found the net three times in seven appearances this term.

His potential rating is among the highest on the list, suggesting Everton’s striker may have plenty of room to grow.

Haaland would be the headline choice and an extraordinary upgrade for almost any side. He has scored 120 goals in 139 Premier League appearances, giving Arsenal a proven finisher with an unmatched record in the competition.

Manchester City’s ongoing legal case over alleged Premier League rule breaches could also draw close attention from rival clubs.

Any change in the club’s circumstances might fuel speculation about Haaland’s future, although signing him would require a huge fee and competition from Europe’s top teams.