Viktor Gyokeres could be in the Premier League next seasonplaceholder image
Viktor Gyokeres could be in the Premier League next season | AFP via Getty Images
Man United and Arsenal have both been linked to signing Viktor Gyokeres this summer.
It had been reported that Gyokeres was holding out for a move to rivals Arsenal, who are also keen, but as the Gunners have prioritised their move for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, Gyokeres has reportedly changed his mind.
According to the Mirror, Gyokeres is now willing to join Man United; he has an £85m release clause in his contract. But should the Red Devils go after him, or should they look at an alternative target?
Man United told to sign Ollie Watkins instead
Gyokeres was one of the best strikers in the world last season, he scored 54 goals in 52 games for Sporting CP, and also would get the chance to re-unite with Ruben Amorim if he joined Man United this summer.
“He is proven, he scores goals, he has got all the attributes, he is quick, he can run in behind and he can attain the ball. He has got all of the attributes that you want to go to Manchester United. I am not saying that is going to be the case, but if you look at last season when [Marcus] Rashford went to Villa Park, Watkins got his nose put of joint and didn't really play much.”
Watkins scored 17 goals in 54 games for Unai Emery’s side last season, he also managed to contribute 14 assists on top of that. Ince also believes that if United were to sign Watkins, it would improve the outlook for Rasmus Hojlund. The Danish international has been linked with a move away after scoring just four goals in the Premier League last season.
“I honestly think Hojlund is one of those where he is still young and he needs someone who can come in and take the weight off his shoulders. I think someone like Watkins would take the pressure off him. Maybe they should send Hojlund out on loan for a year and let him score some goals, come back and be confident."
Could Man United sign Watkins?
Villa would likely be reluctant to sell him. They received a £40m bid from Arsenal on him in January, and rejected it. It is understood that they would want at least £60m for Watkins. But lets say that United offered £60m, there is a chance that Villa could be tempted.
Alternatively, Man United could offer Marcus Rashford in a swap deal. Rashford spent the second half of last season on loan at Villa Park, and at times, Unai Emery decided to play the United star ahead of Watkins.
With Rashford valued at £40m, it would be a fairly close deal in terms of finances, and Villa could maybe be persuaded, considering that Rashford is two years younger than Watkins.
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