There is suddenly a lot of uncertainty around a potential deal for Viktor Gyokeres to join Manchester United this summer after the Sporting president spoke out.
Manchester United’s interest in Viktor Gyokeres this summer is well known as Ruben Amorim wants to add him to his squad.
Reports this week revealed that Sporting president Frederico Varandas is now demanding £67 million for Gyökeres this summer, leaving the player “furious”.
Gyökeres is said to believe there was a prior agreement in place allowing him to leave for a total package worth €60 million plus €10 million in add-ons—approximately £59 million.
Shortly after reports emerged stating that Gyokeres will go public with his frustrations, Varandas himself broke his silence on the situation to the media.
The president said that he will not accept attempts of ‘blackmail’ and explained that Sporting would not accept a £59 million package for the player like previously suggested.
Romano reveals United’s new Gyokeres stance
This drama has come just after United’s interest in the player seemed to be getting serious and now it feels like there will be doubts over the move.
A £60 million package feels fair for the player and any higher would seriously test United’s finances and ability to sell players in the coming weeks.
Still, it has been revealed by Fabrizio Romano that United and Arsenal are both still ‘keen’ on a deal and remain in contact with Gyokeres’ camp, but are making it a priority to clarify the price Sporting are now demanding.
“The first thing to do is clarify the exit price from Sporting after trouble with the president. Both Arsenal and Manchester United remain keen and in contact with his camp,” he wrote on GiveMeSport.
Romano has also suggested elsewhere that United are in daily contact to keep up-to-date on any developments regarding Gyokeres.
United do not have many striker alternatives
At the moment, there don’t seem to be many clear alternatives to Gyokeres if United cannot get a deal over the line.
That will partly be because of their focus on securing the signing of Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford first before they truly turn their focus to the central striker position.
Some may argue that United don’t exactly need the best striker in the world but someone who has experience and can take the burden off the younger players.
Cunha and Mbeumo are both expected to bring a goalscoring threat which means that there will be less pressure on the striker.
If United are not entirely confident in the higher-cost options in that position, it may be worthwhile signing someone slightly cheaper who has the experience to be a valuable member of the squad.
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