Arsenal closer to Gyokeres signing as Man Utd pull out

Carlo Garganese

Updated: 8 Apr 2025 06:59 BST
3 min read

Viktor Gyokeres, Andrea Berta, Mikel Arteta — © IMAGO

Viktor Gyokeres has moved a step closer to joining Arsenal this summer after Man Utd pulled out of the race for the Sweden star.

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That is according to ESPN, who report that United have ended their interest in Gyokeres and will instead pursue Ipswich Town star Liam Delap.

The report states that United would rather not be involved in an expensive bidding war with Arsenal and others for Gyokeres.

Current ETV

Viktor Gyökeres

F (C)

Sporting CP

Viktor Gyökeres

F (C)

Sporting CP

ETV Range

€67.3M - €82.3M

Delap will be much cheaper and also younger, which fits into the ethos of INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe's philosophy of signing players.

Gyokeres closer to Arsenal

This comes as great news for Arsenal, with multiple reports in recent days that the Gunners are getting closer and closer to Gyokeres.

Correio da Manha reported on Sunday that the Sporting Lisbon striker has informed new Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta that he will accept a move to the Emirates.

Correio da Manha reports that Berta played a "decisive role" in the convincing Gyokeres to join Arsenal over multiple other top European clubs such as Man Utd, Barcelona, Chelsea and Newcastle.

Berta chose Gyokeres over other shortlisted strikers Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko, impressing the Swede.

A deal still needs to be done with Sporting, so this transfer is by no means sealed and delivered but things are looking good for Arsenal.

Gyokeres has a €100 million release clause in his Sporting Lisbon contract.

FootballTransfers reported on Saturday that the Swede's agents will be in attendance at the Emirates on Tuesday when Arsenal host Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie.

© IMAGO - Gyokeres is wanted by many clubs

Gyokeres on fire

Gyokeres is the hottest striking property around right now and is having an incredible season, scoring 43 goals in 43 games in all competitions.

This follows on from his brilliant form from last season for Sporting where he scored 43 goals in all competitions for his club.

Gyokeres is expected to be sold by Sporting at the end of the 2024-25 season in order for the Sweden international to make the next step in his career.