Viktor Gyokeres remains determined to join Arsenal this summer despite renewed interest from Manchester United, where former Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim is now in charge.
The 27-year-old Sweden international, who scored a remarkable 54 goals for Sporting last season, has made it clear that his priority is a move to the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal have been tracking the striker since January and see him as a backup option if their pursuit of Benjamin Sesko fails.
Amorim, however, is pushing Manchester United to explore a deal for his former player as part of the club’s reshuffle under INEOS.
United are looking at Premier League forwards like Ollie Watkins but have not ruled out a foreign recruit, and Gyokeres is on the list of names being considered.
The United boss is said to admire Gyokeres’ work rate, physical presence and familiarity with his tactical demands, viewing him as a potential solution for the attack amid interest in Rasmus Hojlund from Inter Milan.
But while Amorim remains keen, the forward’s preference is clear. Gyokeres has privately signalled that he wants to play under Mikel Arteta and believes Arsenal’s project suits his ambitions at this stage of his career.
Arsenal submitted a £47 million offer for Gyokeres, but Sporting rejected the bid and prefer the full €80 million (£68 million) release clause, though a lower fee may be possible.
That hardline stance has frustrated Gyokeres’ camp. Portuguese outlet Record claims the striker now feels “betrayed” by Sporting and has no intention of returning for pre-season training on 7 July.
Despite the tension, Arsenal remain focused on Sesko, who is four years younger and has a lower wage demand. Talks are ongoing with RB Leipzig to negotiate down from his reported €70 million (£59.7 million) valuation.
Still, Gyokeres is not off the table. Arsenal are watching the situation closely and are prepared to return if Sesko proves unobtainable. The club want a new striker before their pre-season tour begins on 19 July.
For now, Amorim’s push from Manchester is unlikely to sway the player, who is prepared to hold out for his preferred move to North London — and the chance to lead the line at the Emirates.