Viktor Gyokeres is determined to leave Sporting Lisbon this summer and has set his sights on a move to the Premier League, with Manchester United and Arsenal both in the race until now
12:02, 27 Jun 2025
Viktor Gyokeres is now said to be prioritising a move to Manchester United
Viktor Gyokeres is now said to be prioritising a move to Manchester United
Viktor Gyokeres is said to have prioritised a move to Manchester United after backtracking on making Arsenal his first choice and rekindling the possibility of a reunion with Ruben Amorim.
The Swedish striker, 27, is at the centre of this summer's most convoluted transfer saga. He's eager to depart Sporting Lisbon, having netted a stunning 54 goals in 52 matches last season. Gyokeres is keen to prove himself in one of Europe's top leagues.
But he hasn't seen clubs queuing up to sign him, despite long rumoured talk of a move to the Premier League to solve the attacking problems of United or Arsenal. That lack of bids for his services hasn't changed, even though Liverpool have been touted as another potential destination.
Sporting maintain they've received no offers, while club president Frederico Varandas has accused the player's agent of falsely stating the club would accept £59million for the player as part of a 'gentleman's agreement'.
The Gyokeres camp believe Sporting are demanding too high a price - with rumours they're asking for fees totalling £86m - for a player who has scored 97 goals in 102 games since moving to Portugal from Coventry City two years ago.
Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres' future remains uncertain(Image: Carlos Silva/Icon Sport via Getty Images)
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This has led to a significant fallout between the two parties and allegations that Gyokeres won't return for pre-season. However, Gyokeres isn't attracting the interest he perhaps thought he would this summer, reports the Mirror.
He rejected the chance of a move to Saudi Arabia last month. Al-Hilal made a £55m offer that was turned down by Sporting, but Gyokeres made it clear he had no desire to relocate to the Middle East, preferring to continue his career in Europe.
Real Madrid have made it known they're not keen on splashing the cash to bring him to the Bernabeu, as they're after a back-up striker in the vein of ex-forward Joselu. Despite recent rumours linking Liverpool, the Premier League champions aren't interested in the Swedish player.
Juventus have been mentioned, but the Italian club's coffers aren't overflowing and no offer has been tabled, while Bayern Munich have Harry Kane and Paris Saint-Germain gaffer Luis Enrique isn't enthusiastic. His old club, Barcelona, isn't either.
This leaves Arsenal and United in the spotlight, with the consensus being that Gyokeres' top pick would be a switch to North London. The Gunners can promise Champions League footie and a probable title run next season.
However, while new sporting director Andrea Berta has been sounding out the Gyokeres team and Sporting, Arsenal's first-choice striker is RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko. A £60m deal is currently looking most likely for Arsenal and the RBL forward.
As a result, Gyokeres is increasingly realising his best shot this summer might be to link up again with former manager Amorim and go-betweens have reached out on the player's behalf to indicate he's ready to join the Premier League strugglers.
Ruben Amorim with Viktor Gyokeres
Ruben Amorim with Viktor Gyokeres(Image: Joao Rico/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
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But he might need to bide his time with United too. Matheus Cunha is already on board at Old Trafford and Bryan Mbeumo is tipped to follow, but United need to offload before they can splash out again.
United are willing to flog off nearly any player from their first team if the price is right, but they're especially eager to swiftly offload Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho - none of whom fit into Amorim's blueprint. They're keeping their fingers crossed that Real Betis will soon table a decent bid for Antony.
Afterwards, United will be back on the hunt for the No. 9 they've had their eye on following last season's dismal run. And Gyokeres is finally primed to step up to the plate.