Arsenal could make a surprising move for in-form AS Monaco striker Paris Brunner amid the uncertainty surrounding Viktor Gyokeres.

The Gunners are being linked with numerous strikers ahead of the winter transfer window due to the Swede's alleged frustration over his playing time. Gyokeres' minutes have been limited, particularly in the Premier League.

On Tuesday, the 28-year-old led the line in the Carabao Cup against Fleetwood Town, and although he scored the equaliser that took the game to extra time and eventually to penalties, he did not cover himself in glory.

Neither did Arsenal's other players, to be fair, with the reigning Premier League champions suffering one of the most embarrassing upsets in the competition's history. Gyokeres' scrappy goal against Fleetwood was his first of the new season.

Some sensational reports have claimed that the former Sporting CP man could look to jump ship as early as January. That seems far-fetched, but the Gunners could nevertheless be active in the winter in anticipation of Gyokeres' seemingly inevitable exit.

Arsenal interested in Brunner

TEAMtalk claims that Arsenal are among the clubs keeping a close eye on the stunning form of AS Monaco striker Paris Brunner, who has enjoyed a rip-roaring start to the season. The 20-year-old has already bagged eight goals.

Surprisingly, it is asserted that a January move might be on the cards due to Monaco's financial situation. The Ligue 1 side infamously failed to sell former Gunner Folarin Balogun on Deadline Day, leaving them scrambling for a much-needed influx of cash.

Balogun, who has been slowly reintegrated into the team after his collapsed move, is widely expected to be belatedly sold in January, but it is unlikely that Monaco will get anywhere near the €48 million they were set to pocket for him in the summer.

At the time, the American was a man in demand after coming off a red-hot end to the season and a successful World Cup, but he has now lost his place to Brunner and was not included in Monaco's Conference League squad. His value will likely drop as a result.

In order to meet their financial targets, the principality club could be forced to sacrifice more assets than just Balogun. It is posited that Brunner could be sold while his value is peaking and be loaned back to the club for the remainder of the season.

Such an arrangement would allow Arsenal to secure a Gyokeres replacement without disrupting their squad mid-season. However, it is claimed that numerous other English and European giants are also keen on the young striker.

Who is Paris Brunner?

Brunner's emergence at Monaco this season has been quite surprising, considering that the last few years haven't really gone to plan for the 20-year-old. Having come through at Borussia Dortmund, his time with the club ended prematurely in 2024 due to concerns over his attitude.

In 2023, the striker was recognised as the biggest talent in Germany in his age group after winning the U17 European Championship and World Cup. Consequently, he felt that he was deserving of first-team opportunities at Dortmund.

These were not forthcoming, however. After some minor disciplinary issues, it was decided that it would be best for Brunner to continue his development elsewhere, which allowed Monaco to pounce.

An unspectacular loan spell at Cercle Brugge and a disappointing 2025/26 season cast doubt on whether Brunner had a future in the principality this summer, but the club decided to keep the faith, and they are now being handsomely rewarded.

Dortmund do not have a buy-back clause, but they do have matching rights for any offers that come in. However, it is doubtful that they would be able to offer much resistance if a club like Arsenal were to come calling for the attacker.

It is equally questionable that the 20-year-old would be willing to return to his boyhood club so soon after leaving under a cloud in 2024.