Manchester United have been dealt a major blow in their transfer pursuits as reports from Portugal on Monday claimed they've lost out on Sporting Lisbon hotshot, Viktor Gyokeres.
The Red Devils had been tracking the former Coventry City striker since November, coinciding with INEOS's acquisition of his manager at Lisbon, Ruben Amorim.
United's goal-scoring woes this term have been glaring, with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee failing to emerge as consistent scoring threats.
Having netted an imposing 53 goals for Sporting this season and well-versed in the 3-4-2-1 formation, Gyokeres seemed like he would be a dream signing for United.
However, Arsenal, much like United, are desperate for a dependable striker to lead their attack, despite enjoying a more successful season than the Old Trafford outfit. Mikel Arteta is expected to prioritise the centre-forward role during the summer window.
Front-page news from O Jogo shows Gyokeres in jubilation following Sporting's Liga Portugal victory this weekend, alongside the headline: "Swede on his way to Arsenal.", reports the Manchester Evening News.
The paper alleges that Arsenal and Sporting have agreed on a £58.9 million deal for Gyokeres, with an official announcement seemingly imminent.
If this is the case, United will be reassessing their options as they approach the summer transfer window. It's understood by MEN Sport that Liam Delap of Ipswich Town is high on United's list for the summer, largely due to his significantly lower release clause of £30m.
Delap's proven Premier League prowess - demonstrated with 12 goals for relegated Ipswich - and his youth are also viewed favourably. Matheus Cunha, a versatile forward, is another prime target for United, with a £62.5m release clause in his contract with Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The Sky Blues are expected to scoop a windfall having agreed a sell-on clause when he originally moved from the CBS Arena
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