Manchester United have stepped up their efforts to sign a £60m target for Ruben Amorim after seemingly missing out on Arsenal-bound Viktor Gyokeres
14:57, 02 Jul 2025Updated 14:58, 02 Jul 2025
Viktor Gyokeres no longer looks like he will head to Manchester United
Viktor Gyokeres no longer looks like he will head to Manchester United
Manchester United will step up their interest in Ollie Watkins - after giving up on landing Sporting sensation Viktor Gyokeres.
United had held out some hope of luring Gyokeres to Old Trafford, because of his close relationship with Ruben Amorim. But the English giants believe the Swedish striker has decided to join Arsenal this summer instead.
And with United still struggling to strike a deal with Brentford for Bryan Mbeumo, Amorim has targeted Watkins as he looks to strengthen his attacking options.
The England and Aston Villa forward became unsettled last season after falling behind on-loan Marcus Rashford in the pecking order.
And with Villa missing out on Champions League football last season, Watkins could seek a new challenge elsewhere. It's understood United have held tentative talks with Villa about the 29-year-old.
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - MAY 16: Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa applauds the fans after the team's victory in the Premier League match between Aston Villa FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Villa Park on May 16, 2025 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Harry Murphy - AVFC/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)
Man Utd have discussed signing Ollie Watkins(Image: Harry Murphy - AVFC, Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)
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Amorim believes Watkins' experience and goalscoring pedigree would see him become a huge success at United. But it remains to be seen if United can strike a deal with Villa for Watkins, who is valued at £60m.
United would have been willing to offer Rashford as part of deal, but Villa are not interested in someone who would cost them £40m.
Another obstacle facing United is the fact Amorim's side are not in Europe next season.
The Red Devils appear to have missed out on Gyokeres after the Swede's switch to the Emirates moved closer after the Gunners reportedly reached a transfer agreement with Sporting.
According to Sky Sports, Arsenal are pushing on with a deal for the 27-year-old and are deep in ‘advanced talks’ with the Portuguese champions.
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Gyokeres has also reportedly agreed a five-year deal at the Emirates, after he bagged 97 goals in 102 games for Sporting.
Meanwhile, United need to offload the likes of Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho and Rashford to raise funds to make new signings.