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Viktor Gyokeres would reportedly favour a move to Arsenal over Manchester United if both Premier League giants make offers this summer, according toThe Mirror. The Swedish striker, who enjoyed a sensational season with Sporting CP, has attracted interest from several top clubs across Europe, but his preference appears to lean toward working under Mikel Arteta at the Emirates.
Gyokeres, 27, has quickly become one of Europe’s most prolific forwards since joining Sporting in 2023. The former Coventry City man racked up an astonishing 54 goals and 13 assists in 52 appearances, helping the Portuguese club to a domestic double, winning both Liga Portugal and the Taça de Portugal.
Despite his past working relationship with United boss Ruben Amorim at Sporting, The Mirror claims that Gyokeres would opt for Arsenal, where he believes he could thrive in the Premier League and under Arteta’s guidance. Sporting themselves reportedly believe the striker favours a move to England over potential offers from Spain or Italy.
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Arsenal and Manchester United are both in the market for a new centre forward this summer. The Gunners are desperate to land a proven number nine to spearhead their attack, while United are looking for a more consistent goalscorer to compete with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.
Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres (Image credit: Getty Images)
Sporting are open to selling Gyokeres and value him at around £60 million. The striker has received high praise from his teammates, with Zeno Debast recently calling him “the most complete player I have ever seen” and describing him as “a monster” in an interview with HLN.
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However, despite serious interest, Arsenal appear to have shifted their focus to RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko. The Slovenian forward is younger and viewed as a better long-term fit for Arteta’s project. Negotiations are reportedly progressing for a deal below Sesko’s €80 million release clause, thanks to a gentleman’s agreement with Leipzig.
While Arsenal previously lodged a £59 million bid for Gyokeres and even reached a verbal agreement, the North London club now considers his £60m–£70m price tag steep. Nevertheless, Gyokeres remains a potential fallback option should a deal for Sesko fall through.
Sporting director Andrea Berta is reportedly keeping both options open, but Sesko’s age, profile, and development trajectory align more closely with Arteta’s vision for the future of Arsenal’s frontline.
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