A transfer that looked like a match made in heaven from Manchester United’s perspective has delivered a verdict from hell with Viktor Gyokeres close to Arsenal, but the whole story paints a better picture.
Viktor Gyokeres’ preference for Arsenal was clear from early on, but with his troubles with Sporting, and Arsenal going for Benjamin Sesko, Man Utd fans held hope.
However, with Gyokeres now close to Arsenal, there is a sense of trepidation in the fanbase because the Swede follows Liam Delap in choosing a Premier League rival.
However, United in Focus can reveal exclusively what United were told about Gyokeres to Arsenal in advance. It can make a difference in the club’s pursuit.
Head Coach Ruben Amorim of Manchester United arrives ahead of the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Manchester United and Fulham at Old Trafford on March 02, 2025
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Man Utd’s stance on Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal
Gyokeres had long been tipped as Ruben Amorim’s dream target for the No. 9 position at Old Trafford, but their failure to win the Europa League final complicated things massively.
Since that moment, it always felt like they were playing catch-up for his signature, hence their priority was Delap at the start of the window.
While the Swedish hitman coming off the market is a blow to Amorim’s dream, it can be argued that United shouldn’t have signed a player who didn’t want the club as a priority.
In fact, transfer insider Graeme Bailey told United in Focus that the club were aware of Gyokeres’ stance for a long time, indicating that United’s search for a striker isn’t impacted massively.
More United News
He said: “United have been aware that Gyokeres was aiming for Arsenal for a number of weeks – people close to him have been briefing that for some time.
“At no point did Gyokeres say no to anyone, but it was known that Arsenal was his most likely destination and has been for some time.
“It does not impact United’s search overly. Potentially, it allows them to make a move for Benjamin Sesko, but with RB Leipzig and their price, that looks a bit too steep for United, to say the least.”
Where do Man Utd go from here?
It is clear that United were prepared for the scenario that has come to fruition, so, unlike Delap’s choice, this shouldn’t impact their plans as much.
Delap was the genuine priority, which prompted United to pivot and sign two goal-scoring attacking midfielders instead of one.
That leaves United in a position where they can afford to go into the next season without a world-class striker, since they have effectively added 35 Premier League goals to the team with Matheus Cunha and (potentially) Bryan Mbeumo.
Add the next step for Chido Obi in the equation, maybe a breakout prospect like Gabriele Biancheri, and Sir Dave Brailsford’s “marginal gains” philosophy could benefit United.
The attack really can’t be any worse than it was last season, and proven league pedigree has been added to it.
A new striker was a necessity at the start of the window, but United had prepared their plans to be without one long before Gyokeres made his choice.