Viktor Gyokeres has emerged as a top target for Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea, but a move to Old Trafford is now the most likely outcome for the Sporting CP striker
Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres remains Man United's top centre forward target(Image: Gualter Fatia/Getty Images.)
In the frenetic chaos of the summer transfer market, few players are generating as much buzz as Viktor Gyokeres.
The Swedish forward, Sporting CP's prolific marksman, is at the centre of rampant speculation, with numerous Premier League giants hovering like hawks. Manchester United, managed, of course, by Gyokeres' former boss Ruben Amorim, have surged ahead as favourites to sign the 27-year-old, enticed - as most are - by his remarkable tally of 97 goals in 102 matches for the Portuguese giants.
Arsenal, Chelsea and Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal are also linked with him, but a transfer to Old Trafford appears most likely at the moment, particularly with Arsenal prioritising Benjamin Sesko and Chelsea focusing on Hugo Ekitike, having already signed Liam Delap.
Yet, a United breakthrough is not assured, with persistent uncertainties, internal conflicts and rival interest threatening to upend what would be a significant coup for the Red Devils, especially after their lacklustre 2024/25 campaign. Here, we dissect the latest developments of a saga that could run throughout the summer.
Gyokeres 'furious' with Sporting
Gyokeres' frustration with Sporting has reached a breaking point, with sources claiming the striker is furious over a broken promise. His contract includes an £84million release clause, but a verbal agreement reportedly permitted a departure this summer for offers around £60m.
Portuguese publication Record suggests Sporting are now hesitant to uphold this deal, leaving Gyokeres feeling betrayed. Having bought him for £20m from Coventry City in 2023, the club stand to make a hefty profit, but are now insisting on a minimum of £67m.
Viktor Gyokeres reacts during a match
Gyokeres is reportedly furious about Sporting increasing their asking price
This has sparked friction, with eagle-eyed fans noting Gyokeres has stripped all mention of Sporting from his Instagram bio. That said, he's also removed references to Sweden's national team and his sponsor, Nike.
Sporting's inflated asking price may explain why Arsenal, once frontrunners for the Swede, have tempered their pursuit. Gyokeres is likely to command a weekly wage surpassing £250,000 which, combined with hefty agent fees, makes the deal an expensive endeavour.
The additional £7m demanded by Sporting has made the transfer even costlier, potentially sowing mistrust among suitors. Still, the rift between player and club might hasten talks, offering United and others an opportunity to pounce.
Gyokeres 'rejects £30m offer'
Gyokeres celebrating
Gyokeres has rejected to a move to Saudi Arabia, it's claimed
In a daring decision, Gyokeres turned down a colossal £30m-a-year proposal from Saudi club Al-Hilal, emphasising his desire to compete at the elite level. The lavish offer, which would have placed him among the world's highest-paid players, was declined, with Gyokeres favouring a move to a top European league.
Al-Hilal, keen to land a star striker, pursued Gyokeres after their move for Victor Osimhen fell apart recently. Osimhen, also linked with Premier League sides, reportedly rejected a £650,000-per-week deal from the PIF-backed club.
Their refusals highlight a preference for competitive ambition over monetary gain. That said, signing either player will demand significant financial outlay, and United must be prepared to meet substantial costs to secure a marquee forward this summer.
United transfer had '99% chance'
Ruben Amorim with Viktor Gyokeres.
United might have signed Gyokeres by now if they'd secured Champions League football
Fabrizio Romano reports that United's pursuit of Gyokeres would likely have been sealed had they qualified for the Champions League. Earlier this year, Amorim pinpointed Gyokeres as his primary attacking target and laid extensive groundwork.
It's believed Gyokeres would have quickly agreed to join United had they beaten Tottenham in the Europa League final to clinch a Champions League berth. Their defeat in Bilbao, however, changed things.
Gyokeres is now evaluating his options. While open to Old Trafford, interest from clubs like PSG, Juventus, and Barcelona could sway him elsewhere. United remain in regular dialogue with Sporting and Gyokeres' representatives, but without Champions League football, their pitch may lack the allure of rival offers.
What's next?
Viktor Gyokeres
Gyokeres is on several clubs' wish-lists, but United are thought to be leading the race for his signature - at least for now
Gyokeres' future remains an intriguing enigma as the transfer window's first deadline looms on Monday evening. United's hopes of bringing him to Manchester are bolstered by Amorim's strong bond with the player and the club's bold attacking revamp, underscored by the recent signing of Matheus Cunha and potential addition of Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo.
Yet, a last-minute twist could emerge. Arsenal might rekindle their interest if their Sesko pursuit fails, while murmurs of interest from other Champions League clubs, both domestic and abroad, add unpredictability to United's efforts.
Gyokeres' next step will not only shape his career but could define the aspirations of the club that wins his signature. For now, United hold a slight advantage, but in football, nothing is certain until the deal is done.