It seemed inevitable that Viktor Gyokeres would be joining Arsenal but new developments offer Manchester United hope.
The arrival of Ruben Amorim as Manchester United’s head coach immediately triggered links to Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres.
In Portugal, they forged a brilliant relationship and Gyokeres is open to reuniting with Amorim. However, United’s failure to qualify for the Champions League made any potential deal difficult.
It quickly became clear he preferred a move to North London and over the past week, Gyokeres has been close to joining Arsenal.
Gunners transfer chiefs flew to Portugal to wrap up a deal, but now reports are claiming that talks haven’t exactly gone to plan.
Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres in action.
Photo by Maciej Rogowski/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Arsenal ready to walk away from Viktor Gyokeres deal, Man United given hope
United were aware that Gyokeres wanted Arsenal well in advance this summer, which explains why Ineos have not pushed as hard as some would have hoped for the Swedish star.
However, what seemed like a wrapped up deal has now become much more complicated with The Mirror reporting that Arsenal chiefs have now left Portugal.
An infographic made by SofaScore showing Viktor Gyokeres' season 2024-25 stats for Sporting CP.
An infographic made by SofaScore showing Viktor Gyokeres’ season 2024-25 stats for Sporting CP.
They claim Arsenal have reached an impasse in talks with Sporting and are ready to walk away from the deal having failed to reach an agreement.
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Arsenal could now make a U-turn and return for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, meaning Gyokeres could yet become available again for United.
The report adds that Gyokeres and his team are “fearing the worst” about the Arsenal talks, with hints that the move could be completely off.
Man United could hijack Viktor Gyokeres deal this summer
With Arsenal faltering, the door has been opened for Ineos to swoop in for Gyokeres.
Gyokeres has gone on strike in Lisbon after falling out with the club chiefs at Sporting over a supposed gentleman’s agreement that has been broken.
Even during the talks with Arsenal, Gyokeres spoke highly about Amorim and his impact on his career. If a move to London is off, the Swede could still be open to reuniting with his former boss at Old Trafford.
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Affording the deal could become an issue with Arsenal refusing to match Sporting’s valuation for Gyokeres, but if United are able to get some sales over the line then it could become a real possibility.
United’s search for a striker has taken a turn for the worse without Gyokeres in the picture, with links to the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Moise Kean. A stunning hijack of Gyokeres would drum up excitement in the fanbase.