Arsenal have now reportedly frozen their interest in one of Manchester United’s prime targets for the striker target this summer.
Manchester United are falling further behind in the race for one of their prime targets, Viktor Gyökeres, this summer, but Arsenal may have given them a way back into the race with their recent decision on the player.
Gyökeres is reported to have made it clear that he wants to join the North London club, but despite this, Arsenal are now said to have decided to ‘freeze’ their efforts to sign the player, as Sporting CP will not drop the price.
Victor Gyokeres’ agent, Hasan Centikaya, has made clear he has written evidence from the club suggesting they would allow the player to leave for £59 million.
Frederico Verandas, however, stated publicly that Gyökeres will not leave for £59 million, and as a result, clubs like Arsenal and even United have become hesitant in their pursuit of his signature.
The news that Arsenal have frozen their attempts to sign Gyokeres should have prompted United to intensify their push for the player, but they have not yet done so, despite this new opportunity arising.
Arsenal ‘freeze’ their attempt to sign Gyökeres
Arsenal are said to have decided to ‘freeze’ their attempts for Victor Gyokeres in recent hours, as the club feel Sporting’s valuation is too high. Sporting are also refusing to drop their price, which has turned Arsenal off the deal for now. This is according to the Portuguese outlet Record.
The Gunners have an eye on Benjamin Sesko as well as Gyokeres, and should Sporting refuse to negotiate a fair price, Arsenal are likely to test the waters with a bid for Sesko, rather than waiting around for Gyökeres.
However, United have not stepped up their interest in Gyokeres in recent hours since the news of Arsenal stalling broke out, instead choosing to remain spectators as the situation continues to develop.
Since a deal for Matheus Cunha went over the line, the Reds haven’t come any closer to signing a striker, but remain in talks with Brentford for Bryan Mbeumo after their initial £55 million bid was rejected.
Gyokeres has made his feelings known regarding who he wants to join, with Arsenal being his preferred choice, but it seems as if United are refusing to commit themselves to launching an attempt to sign the forward.
United need to act fast
The club needs to back Ruben Amorim with top-tier elite players before the pre-season begins. INEOS cannot wait around for Arsenal to come back in for Gyokeres; the player has made his feelings known, and that should prompt United to move on to another target.
If United are serious about returning to the pinnacle of English football, they need to consider making a move for Victor Osimhen seriously. The Napoli striker is someone who would change the fortunes of the football club, and despite his huge wage and significant transfer fee, he is a must-have this summer.
Hugo Ekitike would also represent an unbelievable coup for United. Still, the £85m transfer fee may again deter them, although Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that United’s interest in the player is indeed genuine.
Gyokeres has made his intentions clear, and now Manchester United need to make their intentions clear very quickly going forward.
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