Viktor Gyokeres would be Ruben Amorim’s best scenario striker this summer, but it looks incredibly unlikely to happen.
Earlier this summer, it seemed nailed on that Manchester United would be in the running to sign Viktor Gyokeres.
After months of interest and links, United made contact to sign Gyokeres earlier this summer; however, talks never progressed beyond this.
Despite believing that Sporting would sell him for £63m, the president denied any gentleman’s agreement with Gyokeres to allow him a cheap exit.
Instead, Sporting are looking for around £68m, which is a significant outlay that is expected to be guaranteed. No deal is imminent, yet Gyokeres is prepared to go on strike to force his transfer.
However, interest from United is no more, with Gyokeres deciding he wanted to join Arsenal instead of reuniting with Ruben Amorim.
Arsenal’s talks to sign Viktor Gyokeres have stalled
It is little surprise that Gyokeres chose Arsenal, with Champions League football always expected to be his determining factor.
Amorim told Gyokeres not to join United if he was only concerned about playing in a particular competition. Whether this stance would actually be upheld if the opportunity arose is unknown, but United might have that chance.
This is because Arsenal have backed away from Gyokeres after a failed round of talks with Sporting CP this week.
The reason for this is now reported by the Independent, with Arsenal offering Sporting a £68m package, but the Portuguese side are more inclined to receive a guaranteed £60m with no add-ons.
Arsenal’s bid is worth just £56m up front, with add-ons taking it to £68m. This may sound like a small amount, however, Arsenal withdrew from talks to sign Benjamin Sesko this summer for a £8m difference.
Arsenal will probably return for Gyokeres, but paying so much up front might push the Gunners back in the direction of Sesko, potentially opening the door for United.
- READ: Who is Man Utd target Viktor Gyokeres? Ruben Amorim’s 54-goal dream signing and freakish goal record
Gyokeres may come back to Manchester United if Arsenal move falls through
Despite opting for a move to the Emirates, Gyokeres’ relationship with Amorim could prove impactful if the Swedish international is still looking for a transfer later in the window.
By this stage, United will hope to have sold the five exiled players, of which reported transfer fees suggest a substantial amount north of £150m could be raised.
- Alejandro Garnacho – £60m
- Antony – £25m
- Jadon Sancho – £21m
- Marcus Rashford – £40m
- Tyrell Malacia – £5m
If this works out, United would have a budget that could spend £60m on Gyokeres, should that still be in Jason Wilcox’s plans.
United will be watching the Gyokeres situation closely, and if Arsenal turn attention elsewhere, don’t be shocked to see Ineos looking into a move once again.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
