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Viktor Gyokeres has reportedly had a change of heart over a move to Arsenal, with Manchester United now emerging as favourites to sign the in-demand Sporting CP striker.
The 27-year-old Swedish international is expected to leave Portugal this summer and has become the subject of a transfer tug-of-war between two of the Premier League’s biggest clubs. Earlier in June, Gyokeres was believed to have “officially” rejected a move to United in favour of Arsenal, with reports from Portuguese outlet Record claiming that the forward had informed his agents of his desire to join the Gunners.
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Gyokeres was even said to have told friends and family that he would sign for Arsenal this summer, amid the north London club’s interest in both the Sporting star and RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko. Arsenal had reportedly seen a €55 million (£47 million) bid for Gyokeres rejected, with Sporting holding out for at least €70 million (£59.6 million) to open formal negotiations.
Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres (Image credit: Getty Images)
However, The Mirror now reports a significant shift in the situation, with United back in the race and currently considered the frontrunners to land the prolific forward despite not being able to offer Champions League football. The report claims intermediaries acting on behalf of Gyokeres have contacted United to inform them of the player’s change of stance and his willingness to move to Old Trafford.
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Arsenal, meanwhile, are in the final stages of securing deals for Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga in a combined £15 million swoop, and are expected to ramp up efforts to sign a striker after the Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) deadline passes on June 30. However, some reports suggest the Gunners are prioritising a move for Sesko, who could be a more financially viable option than Gyokeres given Sporting’s firm stance on the Swedish striker’s valuation.
Gyokeres enjoyed a breakout campaign in the Primeira Liga, scoring 43 goals in all competitions and helping Sporting win the league title. His performances have drawn attention across Europe, but it now appears that Manchester United could win the race for his signature unless Arsenal reignite their pursuit in the coming weeks.
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