A private chat between Viktor Gyokeres and Ruben Amorim has emerged which makes some recently comments from the Manchester United boss make complete sense.
Ruben Amorim is prioritising the signing of a new striker for his Manchester United squad, as a lack of goals has been a major concern throughout the season.
Several names have been linked as potential replacements for Rasmus Hojlund in the starting centre-forward role, with Joshua Zirkzee expected to feature more regularly as a number 10 next season.
Chido Obi is also aiming for increased game time after making his first start for the Red Devils in last weekend’s 4-3 loss to Brentford but he is not prepared to play consistently from the start.
Liam Delap has emerged as the top target for United, particularly following Ipswich Town’s relegation, which has activated a £30 million release clause in his contract.
However, other strikers have also been linked with the move, including Amorim’s former goalscorer at Sporting CP, Viktor Gyokeres.
Private chat between Gyokeres and Amorim emerges
Gyokeres has been in unbelievable form for Sporting this season, with 52 goals and 12 assists in 49 appearances across all competitions.
He was signed by the Portuguese club during Amorim’s time in charge after excelling at Championship side Coventry City and, inevitably, links to Old Trafford have occurred.
However, various reports have played down United’s chances of signing the 26-year-old forward this summer and now it has emerged that Arsenal are the favourites to land his signature.
According to reports from the Telegraph, the Sporting star is expected to prioritise a move to Arsenal over a reunion with his former boss at United.
The report added that Amorim and Gyokeres have a good relationship and the player has told the 40-year-old that he would consider joining if they are playing Champions League football next term.
United would be playing in that competition if they go onto win the Europa League this season. They are currently in a good spot to reach the final.
Amorim’s recent comments now make sense
This conversation makes recent comments from Amorim more understandable when he was asked about the prospect of signing his ex-striker.
In an interview with Sport TV Portugal last week, the United boss said that he wants to sign players who want to represent the club and not just join because they will play in specific competitions.
“Gyokeres deal? I didn’t talk to him,” Amorim told the Portuguese outlet before United’s first-leg clash against Athletic Club in the Europa League semi-final last week.
“But if a player only wants to come to Man United to play Champions League, then he won’t come. We want players who want to represent United, not players who want to play certain competitions.”
It seems clear that Amorim isn’t exactly a fan of Gyokeres’ stance after speaking with the striker. A deal in the summer feels unlikely even if United secure European football next term.
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