Manchester United have been dealt a blow in their search for a new striker, with Viktor Gyokeres no longer a viable option for the summer window, according to reports.
The Sporting CP forward had been strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford, with INEOS reportedly keen on reuniting the Swedish international with his former coach Ruben Amorim. However, Record report that the player’s agents have now formally ruled United out of the race.
United held multiple discussions with Gyokeres’ camp over the past week, but Arsenal’s growing interest has shifted the dynamic. Sources close to the situation claim the player has set his sights on a move to the Emirates, with the Gunners reportedly offering an initial €55m + €10m (approx. $70m) proposal which was turned down by Sporting.
Despite United’s approach, the player was unconvinced by the project on offer. According to Record, Gyokeres’ representatives never viewed the Manchester club as a priority, citing concerns around the club’s lack of Champions League football and ongoing restructuring under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s leadership.
Sporting are understood to be demanding in excess of €80m ($92m) for the 26-year-old, who netted 57 goals in two seasons for the Portuguese giants. That fee, along with the current uncertainty at United, has all but ended hopes of a deal.
“The door to Old Trafford is definitively closed,” the Portuguese outlet writes, adding that “the dream destination is really the Emirates.”
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Is Arsenal really the only option for Gyokores?
There’s also speculation that Gyokeres’ camp may be playing a tactical game, deliberately distancing their client from United in an effort to pressure Sporting into honouring a previously discussed €60m + €10m bonus agreement. By positioning Arsenal as the only serious contender, it could weaken Sporting president Frederico Varandas’ bargaining power.
Still, the Gunners remain in talks with RB Leipzig over a deal for Benjamin Sesko, who Sporting News understands to be Mikel Arteta’s top striker target. Should that move progress, it could leave both Gyokeres and Sporting in a vulnerable position.
United, meanwhile, must now turn their attention to alternative targets. Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta, Porto’s Samu Aghehowa, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike and free agent Jonathan David are among the names being considered.
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