Viktor Gyökeres has been at the top of Manchester United’s list for a number of weeks, as the search for a new number nine goes on, with the Swede’s situation at Sporting taking a turn.
Manchester United have already explored several striker options as part of Rúben Amorim’s plans to rebuild the squad ahead of next season.
While looking for an out-and-out No. 9, United turned their attention to Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to reshape the forward line.
Cunha has already completed his move, and Mbeumo is pushing for the switch. However, both are expected to feature primarily in attacking midfield roles, meaning the search for a natural centre-forward continues.
The striker that has been linked with a move throughout Amorim’s tenure at the club is Viktor Gyökeres, who previously thrived under the Portuguese coach at Sporting CP.
With an alleged gentleman’s agreement in place between the player and the club that would allow him to leave the club for less than his release clause, many clubs have been interested in signing the player who scored 54 goals last season.
Arsenal and United have emerged as the two front-runners, with both clubs desperate for an out-and-out striker going into next season.
The latest on Gyökeres transfer change
As reported by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano for GiveMeSport, Sporting president Federico Varandas has rejected the previous gentleman’s agreement made between Viktor Gyökeres’ agents and former director Hugo Viana, which would have allowed the striker to leave for £51.5 million plus £8.5 million in add-ons.
While Sporting won’t demand the full £85 million release clause, they consider that offer too low. In response, Gyökeres feels betrayed, refuses to train, and no longer wants to play for the club.
While the Swedish striker did prioritise a move to Arsenal because of the allure of Champions League football, he has never flat-out rejected a move to United this summer.
With Arsenal also in talks for Benjamin Šeško, discussions between the London outfit and Gyökeres have been taking some time, with the battle between the want-away Swedish star and his current club not helping matters.
Amorim is said to be following the situation from the sidelines, while Arsenal are in direct contact. It is detailed that should the North London club agree to a transfer for Šeško, this could trigger a complete change in the circumstances that may lead to Gyökeres signing for United.
United are regretting Europa League failure
In an ideal world, Gyökeres would have welcomed reuniting with the manager who got the best out of him during his tenure at Sporting, but he may end up choosing Arsenal simply because of the sheer pull of elite European football.
With a significant number of departures expected this summer, United have been linked with a wide range of potential signings, many of which may have depended on Champions League qualification.
Several doors have closed as a result, and the opportunity to sign experienced players who would pick their next club depending on European competition is pretty much gone, and have had to look elsewhere as a result.
Romano himself recently explained that he felt Gyökeres was nailed-on to join United should they have defeated Tottenham in the Europa League final.
Amorim simply has to get this transfer window right if he stands and chance of turning the club’s fortunes around. While the club have had a decent start to the window, if the club could offer Champions League football, things could have been much easier.
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