Arsenal have reportedly ruled out the possibility of allowing Viktor Gyokeres to leave the club on loan during the January transfer window, despite interest from AC Milan. The Swedish striker's future has attracted attention after a difficult period in north London, with his performances yet to consistently match expectations following his £64 million move from Sporting CP in the summer of 2025. Gyokeres was part of the Arsenal squad that lifted the Premier League title in the 2025-26 season, but questions remain over his ability to make a decisive impact against stronger opposition.

Gyokeres scored 14 Premier League goals last season, although much of his output came against teams in the lower half of the table. Eleven of those goals were scored against sides positioned in the bottom half, while his goals against higher-ranked opposition were limited to Sunderland and Bournemouth. That record has contributed to the debate surrounding his form, particularly as manager Mikel Arteta has occasionally turned to Kai Havertz and Mikel Merino in important situations. Despite the uncertainty, Gyokeres remains tied to Arsenal on a long-term contract, making a temporary departure the more realistic possibility than a permanent transfer if the club were to consider a move.

AC Milan have reportedly explored the possibility of bringing the 28-year-old forward to San Siro on loan, but Arsenal are understood to have rejected that option. The decision is also influenced by the club's need to maintain sufficient attacking depth throughout the season. Arsenal have already dealt with the departures or absences of several attacking players, including Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard, while Havertz is currently dealing with a hamstring injury and fitness concerns. Losing another forward without securing a replacement could leave Arteta with limited options in the final third.

For that reason, Arsenal may prefer to keep Gyokeres until at least the end of the season and give him another opportunity to establish himself in the squad. His goalscoring record still provides a valuable asset, even if his consistency against top-level opponents remains under scrut