The transfer saga surrounding Sporting CP’s prolific striker Viktor Gyokeres has taken a dramatic turn, with Arsenal’s long-pursued deal now teetering on the edge of collapse.
Reports from Portugal indicate that Manchester United have swooped in with a late bid to hijack the transfer, capitalizing on stalled negotiations between Arsenal and Sporting.
The 27-year-old Swede, who scored 54 goals last season, is reportedly desperate for a Premier League move, even skipping Sporting’s pre-season training to force an exit.
Arsenal had been frontrunners, offering €63.5m (£54m) plus €10m in add-ons, but disagreements over the structure of the bonuses, with Sporting demands causing a deadlock.
United, led by Gyokeres’ former coach Ruben Amorim, have reportedly agreed a fee around €70m with Sporting.
Despite Gyokeres’ stated preference for Arsenal, where he’s agreed to a five-year contract worth £7m per season, United’s financial muscle and Amorim’s influence could sway the deal.
The Red Devils, fresh off signing Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, are pushing to bolster their attack further after missing out on other targets like Liam Delap and Hugo Ekitike.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are exploring alternatives like RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko. With negotiations faltering and United’s aggressive move, Gyokeres’ dream Arsenal transfer hangs in the balance.
