Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres has ignited a fierce transfer tussle between Arsenal and Manchester United.
The 27-year-old’s sensational form, netting 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting, has made him one of Europe’s most coveted forwards, and his future remains a hot topic as the transfer window heats up.
Sporting signed Gyokeres from Coventry City for 24 million euros in July 2023, a deal that has proven a masterstroke as the Sweden international powered them to two Primeira Liga titles and a Portuguese Cup.
Now, with Gyokeres eager to test himself at a global powerhouse, Sporting stand to make a substantial profit, reportedly holding out for a fee around 80 million euros.
Arsenal have emerged as frontrunners, with sources indicating they had a 55-million-euro bid rejected but are preparing a fresh offer of 60 million euros, according to Portuguese outlet A Bola.
However, Sporting’s demands remain unmet, and tensions have surfaced after Gyokeres claimed the club reneged on a gentleman’s agreement to let him leave for 70 million euros. Reports suggest he has told Sporting he will not play for them again, pushing for a move to the Premier League.
Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has boldly claimed Arsenal will win the race. “Gyokeres will be an Arsenal player,” Di Marzio said, emphasizing the striker’s preference for the Gunners despite interest from Juventus and Manchester United. “He was their first target from the start, and now they have to find an agreement with Sporting.”
Manchester United, however, have not given up hope. Managed by Gyokeres’ former Sporting boss Ruben Amorim, the Red Devils are banking on their past connection to sway the striker.
Sources close to United revealed Gyokeres has expressed openness to joining them, believing Amorim can steer the club back into the Premier League’s top six and into contention for trophies, despite their lack of Champions League football next season.
Liverpool briefly entered the conversation as a potential destination, with Portuguese reports suggesting they see Gyokeres as a replacement for Darwin Nunez. However, these links were quickly dismissed by reliable sources, keeping the focus on Arsenal and United.
Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta is also weighing a move for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, but Gyokeres’ goal-scoring prowess makes him a prime target.
BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel noted the Gunners’ board are keen on a statement signing, with Berta’s meticulous approach aiming to deliver a transfer coup.
As negotiations intensify, Gyokeres’ next move promises to shape the attacking fortunes of either Arsenal or Manchester United. With Sporting preparing for his potential exit by eyeing Almeria’s Luis Javier Suarez as a replacement, the stage is set for a dramatic conclusion to this transfer saga.
