Viktor Gyokeres’ future has become a massive talking point with Arsenal and Manchester United ready to battle it out for his signature. According to Pete O’Rourke via Football Insider, the Red Devils have him as a priority target for the summer and are working overtime to get a deal over the line.
Ruben Amorim has made it quite clear that the Sporting CP striker is his number one target to reinforce his attack. He is not pleased with the output of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee and wants the Swedish striker to lead the line for his team.
While they are working overtime to get a deal over the line, there are concerns about the finances involved as Sporting CP’s president has confirmed that there is no gentleman’s agreement in place to let the former Brighton striker leave for less than his £85 million release clause.
While speaking to Football Insider about Gyokeres’ future, O’Rourke said: “The number nine is a key priority position they would like to strengthen in,”
“As things stand, Viktor Gyokeres is the top target for United.
“Ruben Amorim knows all about him from their time at Sporting Lisbon, they had such great success together and he would be the number one target.
“A lot of it will come down to finances with Gyokeres and whether they can agree a fee.
“Sporting’s president had admitted there is no gentleman’s agreement to let him leave for below his release clause.
“Then, will Gyokeres be willing to make the move with no Champions League football on offer?
“Right now, I’d say if United could pick their dream signing for the number nine position, Gyokeres would be it.”
Amorim is a massive admirer of the 27-year-old and considers him an ideal option to help get United back on track. Having had a lot of success together with him at Sporting, the Portuguese manager is keen on having him in his squad.
While he is a dream target for the Manchester-based giants, they might not find it easy to convince him to move to Old Trafford as they do not have Champions League football to offer. Meanwhile, rivals Arsenal, who are also keen on his signature can offer him the opportunity to play in Europe’s biggest competition.
Mikel Arteta is also desperate to have a new number nine as Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus haven’t been able to produce the numbers needed. He is keen on signing Gyokeres as he could help them challenge for all major titles.
Multiple reports suggest the Gunners are front-runners at this stage but it is far from done and United can certainly take control of the race going forward. The North London club have already had a bid rejected from Sporting CP.
With Frederico Varandas denying the existence of a gentleman’s agreement that would have allowed him to leave for a fee of around £60 million (€70m) both Arsenal and United now want to understand what exactly needs to be done to sign him in this window.
While speaking to , Fabrizio Romano said: “First thing to do is clarifying the exit price from Sporting after trouble with the president. Both Arsenal and Man United remain keen and in contact with his camp.”
There are other top clubs from Germany, Italy and Spain who are keen on signing the 27-year-old but it seems he is set to move to England where Arsenal and United remain in contact with his agents.
As per a report from TBR, Gyokeres believes he will be playing in the Premier League next season. He has made it quite clear to Sporting chiefs that he is ready to take the next step in his career and England is his likely destination.
While he hasn’t closed the door on playing in other European leagues, he seems to prefer moving back to England. The Swedish international might feel he has some unfinished business in the English top flight.
