Robin Bairner
Viktor Gyokeres, Arsenal
© IMAGO
Arsenal are accelerating in their chase to sign Viktor Gyokeres but still face pressure from Manchester United over the Sporting CP striker, with the Old Trafford side still taking positive steps to land the Sweden hitman.
Gyokeres is a player who Arsenal have been following for over a year, yet their pursuit of the player has stepped up with sporting director Andrea Berta was appointed to his post recently.
Reports from Sky Sports Deutschland have underlined the Gunners’ interest in the player, but also send a warning to Mikel Arteta’s side that signing him is not a formality.
“Andrea Berta is pushing to sign Viktor Gyokeres for Arsenal. Several talks have already taken place. Alexander Isak remains high on the Gunners’ list, as previously revealed — but he’s very expensive,” Florian Plettenberg tweeted.
“Manchester United, Chelsea, and Real Madrid are all in the race. No commitments yet. Everything is still open. Bayern are currently out — too expensive.
“As exclusively revealed in October, Gyokeres can leave Sporting this summer for €60–70 million, due to a verbal agreement between the player and the club.”
Viktor Gyokeres, Sporting CP
© IMAGO - Viktor Gyokeres, Sporting CP
Man Utd still interested in Gyokeres
Arsenal do appear to be leading the way for the 26-year-old but the interest from elsewhere in the Premier League is of note.
Chelsea and Man Utd both seemed to have turned their attentions elsewhere, with Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim stressing earlier this week that he would not sign Gyokeres because of his desire only to play for a club in the Champions League.
“If a player only wants to come to Man United to play Champions League, then he won’t come,” Amorim told Portuguese TV.
“We want players who want to represent United, not players who want to play certain competitions.”
Gyokeres has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €75m, suggesting that whichever clubs lands him in the summer will be getting a bargain.