Fabrizio Romano has thrown a twist into the Viktor Gyökeres saga after the player reportedly informed Manchester United that he will not consider them this summer.
Manchester United are looking to reinforce their attack this summer after a disappointing 2024/25 season that saw them finish 15th in the Premier League, with a shortage of goals proving costly throughout the campaign.
Bruno Fernandes finished as the club’s top scorer with 19 goals. Alejandro Garnacho and Amad followed with 11 each, while Rasmus Højlund contributed 10. No other player managed to reach double figures in any competition.
The club have already agreed a deal to sign Matheus Cunha from Wolves, and there is belief that an agreement for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo can be struck, although Tottenham are attempting to hijack the club’s efforts.
Despite these additions, United are still searching for a new central striker. Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres is a key target, having scored 97 goals in 102 matches for the club, including 66 in just 68 appearances under Rúben Amorim.
Romano refutes reports about Gyökeres
Portuguese reports from early on Saturday morning claimed that Gyökeres’ agents had informed United that he does not see the club as a viable destination this summer.
However, transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has since confirmed that United remain in regular contact over Gyökeres as they continue to monitor the striker’s situation at Sporting.
While no formal move has been made, United are said to be “always informed” as they weigh up their attacking options for the summer window. Arsenal are also keeping a close eye on Gyökeres and have recently resumed contact with his camp.
The Swedish forward is a long-standing target for the Gunners and remains highly rated internally. Although Arsenal have also held discussions with Benjamin Šeško, there is currently no agreement in place with the player or with RB Leipzig.
The key obstacle for any deal appears to be a dispute over the terms of Gyökeres’ exit. His agent claims Sporting had agreed to let him leave for €60 million plus €10 million in add-ons — a pact reportedly made by former Sporting director Hugo Viana months ago.
However, club president Frederico Varandas is now demanding a higher fee, creating tension behind the scenes. Until that situation is resolved, both Arsenal and Manchester United are expected to continue monitoring developments.
It may be best for United to move on from Gyökeres
In the last decade, United have been involved in countless transfer dramas that have left the club pursuing targets for either far too long or overpaying for players that have left them financially hamstrung.
With no Champions League or European football on offer next season, the club are focusing on signing players who are willing to buy into Amorim’s long-term project at Old Trafford, and indications seem that Gyökeres is not one of those players.
Read More: Alejandro Garnacho picks next destination as duo “on the verge of leaving” Man Utd – Fabrizio Romano
Cunha was signed quickly, as he had indicated to United that they were the only club he wanted to join. Meanwhile, Mbeumo also views United as his ideal destination, although there is uncertainty surrounding whether a deal will materialise after Spurs appointed former Brentford boss Thomas Frank.
Gyökeres is clearly showing a hesitancy to commit to United amid interest from Arsenal and other clubs, and United cannot afford to waste time on the transfer.
There are other options available, such as Victor Osimhen, who views United as a dream move, although his wage demands are proving to be a major issue in the negotiations.
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