Robin Bairner
Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres celebrates completing his Champions League hat-trick against Manchester City
© IMAGO
Viktor Gyokeres is set to be in the middle of a three-way tussle for his services next summer, with Arsenal and Manchester United joined by Barcelona in plotting a transfer bid for the Sporting CP striker.
Although Gyokeres was shut out by Arsenal in the Champions League on Tuesday, the Sweden international star has wowed this season, notably grabbing a hat-trick against Manchester City in the same competition.
The Gunners have long been admirers of the 26-year-old striker, but in recent weeks the scenario has changed for Mikel Arteta’s side.
They have been joined in the race for Gyokeres by Man Utd, where Ruben Amorim has moved, and now The Sun reports that Barcelona have made the striker their No.1 summer target, having previously been linked with Erling Haaland of Man City.
However, Barca have been told they will be unable to land Gyokeres and will instead turn their attention to another possible Arsenal target in the form of Newcastle hitman Alexander Isak.
Viktor Gyokeres
© IMAGO - Viktor Gyokeres
Gyokeres to Man Utd: Amorim reunion in mind
Gyokeres has his eyes set on a move to the Premier League and, in particular, Manchester United, The Sun reports.
“Gyokeres has his heart set on a move to the Premier League and a reunion with ex-boss Ruben Amorim at Manchester United,” it claims.
Naturally, this is concerning news for Arsenal, who refused to make Sporting’s €100 million asking price last summer – the value of the player’s release clause.
Now Gyokeres is said to have a gentleman’s agreement in place with the Portuguese club that will allow him to leave for something in the region of €70-80m – a figure that is still well in excess of his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €42.7m.
Arsenal and Barcelona to battle for Isak
Arsenal had made Isak their Plan B, yet even that appears to be under threat as Barcelona are reportedly willing to make a “mega-money offer” for Gyokeres’ Sweden team-mate.
This comes in direct contrast to reports from Spain earlier this week that indicated that Robert Lewandowski was in line to remain at the club following his excellent form.
The Poland star, who scored his 100th Champions League goal on Tuesday against Brest, has 22 goals in 19 matches across all competitions for Barcelona. This is his best run since signing for the club in 2022 and comes after his 36th birthday.
Read more about: La Liga, Liga Portugal Bwin, Premier League, Arsenal, Barcelona, Man Utd, Newcastle Utd., Sporting CP, Alexander Isak, Robert Lewandowski, Viktor Gyökeres