In a stunning turn of events, Arsenal is reportedly set to beat Manchester United in the competition to sign Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon. The Swedish sensation has been on fire this season, netting an astonishing 52 goals in just 49 matches, making him one of the hottest prospects in European football.
With a price tag ranging between €65m-€75m, Gyokeres has attracted attention from top clubs across the continent. Both Manchester United and Arsenal have been vying for his signature, desperate to bolster their attacking options for the upcoming season. The Gunners, however, seem to have stolen a march on their rivals, with reports suggesting that the North London club is now the frontrunner to land the prolific striker.
Despite interest from Manchester United and their manager Ruben Amorim, Gyokeres is rumored to prefer a move to Arsenal, drawn by the club’s recent performances in the title race and Champions League. The 26-year-old forward was quizzed about a potential move to the Emirates last month, to which he enigmatically replied, "I like Lisbon."
As Arsenal faces the prospect of ending the season without silverware, Manchester United still has a shot at redemption in the Europa League final against Tottenham. A victory for the Red Devils would secure Champions League football, potentially swaying Gyokeres’ decision on his next destination.
With both clubs eager to secure the services of the prolific striker, Gyokeres faces a tough choice ahead. Will he opt for the allure of North London and a promising future with Arsenal, or will he be tempted by the prospect of reuniting with Ruben Amorim at Manchester United? Football fans around the world eagerly await the resolution of this high-stakes transfer saga.
Gyokeres has emerged as a target for Arsenal ahead of the summer transfer window. The 26-year-old striker has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League for a while now as he continues to impress for Sporting CP. According to The Telegraph, Andrea Berta favors a move for Gyokeres over Benjamin Sesko.
The report claims that the Sweden international is expected to prioritize the Gunners over Manchester United, who are also keen, if he leaves the José Alvalade Stadium. It's said that Alexander Isak remains the 'dream target' for Arsenal, but Newcastle United insists he's not for sale.
Last month, Gyokeres was quizzed on a potential move to Arsenal, but he remained tight-lipped. Following Sporting's 3-1 win over Moreirense, the Swede was asked if he liked London. He replied: "I like Lisbon." Then, on his 'gentleman's agreement' to leave the club in the summer, Gyokeres added, "I can’t say anything about that. No one can predict what will happen, we enjoy the moment..."
Speaking to Marca at the end of last year after winning the Guldbollen – an award given to the best male Swedish player in Europe – Gyokeres said, "I don’t play in the Premier League like others do. But I have done the best I can where I am. I also showed it in Europe, in the Champions League and with the national team, so it was not just in Portugal."
On his future, Gyokeres added, "We will see. There are many rumours circulating, but we are in the middle of the season and there are still many months left. We will see when the time comes what will happen." When asked where he sees himself playing in four years' time, at 30, he replied: "Playing for one of the best teams in Europe. That is the objective."
Gyokeres also commented on Sporting's asking price, suggesting they wanted too much for him. Speaking to Swedish publication Sport Bladet after the summer transfer window slammed shut in September 2024, he stated, "They (Sporting) wanted most of the starting players to stay and held us tight. That's how it turned out, but I enjoy Sporting very much, so for me it was no problem to stay. Of course, you want to play at the highest level. It [his release clause] was probably a bit too much, because nothing came of it."
He continued, "Of course, it's a lot of money, but we'll see what happens next window. Nothing happened and it feels like I had a pretty good season. So yes, that's probably why there was simply no move. But that's what Sporting thinks I'm worth, and you have to respect that. I enjoy myself very much in Sporting and can't complain about anything, so it's absolutely no problem for me to stay. Of course, you aim to test other leagues and a higher level, but I have no stress."
As the summer transfer window approaches, the footballing world is abuzz with speculation about Gyokeres' next move. Will he become a Gunners star, or will he choose to join Manchester United in a bid to further his career? The anticipation continues to build as fans and pundits alike keep a close eye on this developing story.
