Manchester United target Viktor Gyokeres is close to sealing Arsenal switch
Viktor Gyokeres always seemed to have his path set for London. For over a month, sources close to the player had been making it clear that Arsenal had the upper hand in the race. The Swedish striker, one of Sporting Lisbon’s most sought-after players, has been consistent in his approach.
His development has been steady, and Mikel Arteta’s project immediately aligned with what he was looking for. Caught Offside has just confirmed that the transfer is practically complete. At this point, talks are in the final stages. The London club are confident that the deal will be sealed without unnecessary delays.
Manchester United, with Ruben Amorim recently arriving at Old Trafford, wanted to make a move. According to Caught Offside, the Red Devils believed that the previous relationship between Amorim and the Swede could open the door to a turnaround. That was not the case. The striker’s preference was always for the Emirates Stadium.
The lack of Champions League football impacted Viktor Gyokeres’ move to Arsenal instead of manchester United
Juventus and AC Milan sounded out the 27-year-old, but never threatened Arsenal’s position. Even Gyokeres’ agent candidly stated that Old Trafford was not on the striker’s mind. United gambled on an emotional factor, and that is the connection with Amorim. However, the lack of Champions League football ended up impacting his decision. Clearly last season’s loss in the UEFA Europa League final continues to haunt us.
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Now the question is what United lose without Gyokeres. For starters, they lose a striker who dominates the area with power and game reading. The Swede fit well into the idea of a team that demands goals and character in the Premier League. Amorim knows him well, knows how to exploit his physique and movements, but there were not enough sporting arguments to convince him. The absence of European competition was key. Who wants to leave the Champions League when Arsenal offers a vibrant project, full of players in their prime?
In addition, the Gunners have a united group and a coach who makes every player feel important. United, on the other hand, are going through an irregular cycle. Their credibility erodes every summer. While Arsenal speed up decisions, the Red Devils stumble over bureaucracy and doubts at the top. Gyokeres saw it clearly. With him, United would have gained the attacking threat, but also a message of ambition. Without him, the forward line remains orphaned of a reliable killer. The lesson is simple that without the Champions League and a clear direction, the stars opt for destinations where they can shine and compete from day one.