EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal dream, Man Utd doubts - the future of Viktor Gyokeres

Steve Kay

Updated: 6 Nov 2024 19:24 GMT
5 min read

Arsenal are better placed to sign Viktor Gyokeres than Manchester United, FootballTransfers can reveal.

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The Sporting CP striker is the name on everyone's lips at present and he further enhanced his already sparkling reputation with a stunning hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League.

It was a game billed as an audition for both the striker and his manager Ruben Amorim, who is set to take the reins at Manchester United on Monday. Both, evidently, passed the test with flying colours.

Gyokeres has been in outrageous form since joining Sporting from Coventry last year, netting an eye-watering 66 goals in 67 matches, while also providing 19 assists.

As a result, the 26-year-old has been heavily linked with a move back to England, with the likes of Arsenal and Man Utd most prominently associated with the Swede.

FootballTransfers has spoken to those familiar with Gyokeres' situation to provide clarity on his future and reveal the truth behind the rampant speculation.

Gyokeres to Man Utd a difficult prospect

The elephant in the room is, of course, Man Utd. Amorim has an outstanding relationship with Gyokeres and the player's agent previously admitted that the 39-year-old was one of the main reasons why the striker headed to Lisbon rather than elsewhere.

Amorim himself has ruled out a January move, but the summer could provide an opportunity for the Red Devils to finally fix their scoring woes. We are told, however, that there are major hurdles that would need to be overcome first.

For one, Gyokeres is at the stage of his career where he will not settle for anything other than Champions League football. Man Utd, currently languishing in 13th in the Premier League and 22nd in the Europa League, will face an uphill battle to make it into Europe's premier competition.

Moreover, and potentially a bigger issue, is the relationship between Gyokeres' agency and the club. The 26-year-old is represented by HCM Sports Management, which also boasts Frenkie de Jong among its list of clients.

In 2022, Man Utd attempted - in vain - to sign the Barcelona midfielder and during this protracted saga, the relationship between the two parties deteriorated after, it is alleged, false information was leaked to the media.

Despite the new sporting hierarchy at Old Trafford, the relations have not improved. Currently, Man Utd are refusing to engage with suitors of Victor Lindelof, another HCM player, and this is frustrating the Red Devils defender.

Lindelof has only played 203 minutes to date and would be willing to leave the club before the expiration of his deal in the summer. Turkish clubs have expressed an interest, but Man Utd have made it clear that they won't discuss his future until later in the season.

Arsenal dream of Gyokeres

While a move to Man Utd looks unlikely as things stand, we are told that the same can't be said for Arsenal. The Gunners view Gyokeres as one of their top targets for 2025 and have been encouraged by Sporting CP's willingness to reduce their demands.

FootballTransfers can corroborate reports that the Portuguese champions will not insist on his €100 million release clause being triggered next summer. Gyokeres publically complained about his hefty price tag earlier this year and the two parties compromised.

The Swede can leave the club for €60m-€70m next year and Arsenal are on red alert. The Gunners had scouts in attendance at the Estadio Jose Alvalade on Tuesday and, needless to say, they will have liked what they saw, with Gyokeres showing himself more than capable of tearing apart one of Europe's best teams.

As of right now, Arsenal can legitimately be considered the favourites for his signature, but of course, things can quickly change in the upcoming months.

The Gunners, though rocked by the shock resignation of sporting director Edu, are not panicking and putting all their eggs in one basket. On the contrary, Arsenal are also keeping a watchful eye on several other forward options.

Besides Gyokeres, we understand that Benjamin Sesko remains high on the north London club's striker shortlist. As for Alexander Isak, we are told that it would take a significant reduction in his price tag - akin to Gyokeres' - for Arsenal to turn their admiration of him into concrete interest.

Arsenal, we are told, have no qualms about paying the €70m required to prise Gyokeres away from Sporting.