Manchester United have been linked with a move for Viktor GyokeresManchester United have been linked with a move for Viktor Gyokeres
Manchester United have been linked with a move for Viktor Gyokeres | AFP via Getty Images
Manchester United managed to complete their first signing of the summer transfer window last week as they secured Wolves striker Matheus Cunha for a fee of £62.5 million, he will help boost Ruben Amorim’s attack.
However, Cunha will likely play in one of the number 10 roles behind a sole striker in Amorim’s system, meaning that United are likely to sign a number nine too this summer.
Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres is one of United’s targets, he has also been linked to Arsenal. The Swedish international is expected to cost around £59m, but it is not clear yet as to where he will go.
Arsenal and Man United get Gyokeres boost
It is no surprise that the 26-year-old is in demand this summer, because he finished the season having scored 54 goals and providing 13 assists in all competitions for the Portuguese side.
It has been reported that Amorim would like to bring Gyokeres to Old Trafford after working together at Sporting CP before the manager joined Manchester United last year.
Both the Gunners and United have seen a boost in their pursuit of Gyokeres too, as it has been reported that Barcelona, who had been linked to the striker, aren’t going to pursue a move for him.
Written in Portuguese outlet A Bola, Barcelona’s Sporting Director Deco, downplayed any interest from the La Liga giants in Gyokeres this summer. He said: “Gyokeres is a great striker who did excellent things at Sporting but we’re currently not looking for that position. We have [Robert] Lewandowski at number nine.”
This means that Man United and Arsenal are the front-runners to land Gyokeres, with no majorly reported interest from non-Premier League clubs. Chelsea are also expected to be considering Gyokeres, but they are all but set to sign Liam Delap instead.
Man United could be left with Gyokeres
Seeing that both Arsenal and Man United are now the main suitors for the Swedish international, many would assume that the Gunners will be the landing spot, seeing as they have more money to spend and Champions League football.
However, recent reports have suggested that Arsenal are veering towards RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko instead, a player that they have held long-term interest in over the past couple of years.
Sesko has scored 13 goals in 33 Bundesliga goals this season, and if Arsenal decide to go after him, it could leave United free to move for Gyokeres without too much opposition.
The biggest issue that the Red Devils will have is that Gyokeres is reportedly demanding a very hefty wage, which could be tricky for United to match, considering their precarious position regarding Profitability and Sustainability Rules.
Furthermore, United have just spend £62.5m on Cunha, meaning that they could be reluctant to then spend big on the Swedish striker this summer.