Viktor Gyökeres finds himself once again at the heart of the summer transfer window speculation. While interest in the Swedish striker had seemingly cooled in recent days following Arsenal’s pursuit of Benjamin Šeško, his name remains firmly on the radar of several top European clubs. After a phenomenal season with Sporting CP, Gyökeres has made it clear that he is ready for a step up. Manchester United, meanwhile, are treading carefully as they prepare for a critical summer. Without the lure of Champions League football, their leverage is diminished, but their storied history, sporting urgency, and strong network of contacts remain potent assets.
According to Fabrizio Romano’s report for Give Me Sport, United have resumed discussions with the striker’s representatives this week. While no official bid has been tabled, there is a clear intent from the club to remain involved in the race. Sporting are expected to demand a fee in the region of €65–70 million, depending on add-ons, payment structures, and other conditions.
Arsenal, though still in contact with Gyökeres’ entourage, appear to be moving closer to finalising a deal for Šeško, leaving the path to Gyökeres potentially more open for rivals. Italian clubs have also expressed interest in recent weeks, but Manchester United’s biggest obstacle remains financial. Without Champions League revenue, any major signing will likely require outgoing transfers to balance the books. In particular, the futures of Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford, and Jadon Sancho could prove decisive in determining whether United can afford to make a serious move for the Swedish forward.
Viktor Gyokeres in action, a prime target for Manchester United’s summer transfer ambitions.
So, what would Gyökeres offer Manchester United if the deal goes through? Above all, he brings aggression, physicality, and goals. At 27, he’s not a polished or particularly elegant striker, but he is ruthlessly effective. Gyökeres plays with directness and intent, he uses his body well, occupies defenders, creates space, and has improved his finishing with a calmer, more clinical touch. His ability to hold up play and draw markers would offer players like Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo more room to influence the game in advanced areas.
In a side still searching for a cohesive attacking identity, Gyökeres could provide instant clarity. He doesn’t need elaborate build-up or perfect conditions to be a threat, his style is simple, forceful, and disruptive. Rúben Amorim has struggled to find consistent attacking options, Rasmus Højlund still needs time to develop, and Marcus Rashford remains unpredictable, with his future at the club also uncertain. Gyökeres isn’t a long-term project, he’s a ready-made solution. For a team craving presence and goals now, not later, he might just be the right fit.
🚨 Manchester United have been in further contact with all parties involved in the Viktor Gyokeres deal this week to understand how the situation is developing.
(Source: @FabrizioRomano) pic.twitter.com/QshX0HjB79
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) June 8, 2025
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The major hurdle for Manchester United remains financial. With no Champions League football next season, the club’s budget is significantly constrained. Without UEFA revenue, the strategy has shifted to sales-first, meaning no major purchase can be made without first offloading key players. Italian clubs have already begun exploring the Gyökeres opportunity, and should Arsenal fail to finalise their deal for Šeško, they could re-enter the race with renewed focus. This leaves United in a precarious position, eager to compete, but forced into a reactive posture while rivals act with greater decisiveness and clarity.
That said, pursuing Gyökeres aligns with United’s long-term need: to rebuild their forward line with players at their physical and footballing peak. The time for relying on inconsistent form or gambling on raw potential is over. The Swedish striker isn’t arriving to promise future brilliance, he’s coming to deliver now. Even without the pull of Champions League nights, Old Trafford still holds allure. If United can resolve their financial constraints through smart and timely sales, Gyökeres could be the catalyst that breathes life back into a stagnant attack. But if they hesitate, someone else will seize the moment.