Manchester United’s window to secure Ruben Amorim his “dream” summer target in Viktor Gyokeres is rapidly narrowing as Arsenal prepare a second bid for the Sporting CP striker, according to a report from Portugal.
Gyokeres, 27, emerged as one of Europe’s deadliest forwards under the tutelage of Amorim in Lisbon after signing for the Lions from Coventry City in 2023.
Across 102 games, the Sweden international has returned an impressive 97 goals and 28 assists, helping propel his side to back-to-back Liga Portugal titles, as well as a Taca de Portugal triumph, across the two seasons.
Shy Strikers
By contrast, United endured their worst campaign in the Premier League era after Amorim’s arrival in November to replace Erik ten Hag.
The Red Devils finished 15th in the table, breaking records for position, points, losses, and goals (44). Only four teams scored fewer than Amorim’s last season – Everton and the three relegated sides, Leicester City, Ipswich Town and Southampton.
The senior striking partnership of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee – signed across successive summers for a total fee in excess of £100 million – combined for just seven league goals. The need for better attackers is as evident as it is severe.
The bulk of the summer budget is set to be directed towards the misfiring forward line at Amorim’s request. A £62.5 million deal for Matheus Cunha has already been agreed while negotiations are ongoing for Bryan Mbeumo at a similar price point.
But a new number nine remains a priority – and the Portuguese coach’s favoured choice the position is a reunion with his former protégé.
Gunners Gunning for Gyokeres
Gyokeres’ preferred destination from Lisbon is not Manchester, however. Instead, the 27-year-old frontman is prioritising a move to Arsenal with the Gunners able to offer Champions League football next season and a side capable of challenging for the Premier League.
Portuguese outlet A Bola contend Arsenal presented a proposal worth €55 million but Sporting are holding out for offers around €80 million, despite Gyokeres’ belief he had reached a gentleman’s agreement his club would listen to offers worth €70 million (€60m + €10m in add-ons).
Sporting president Federico Varandas has publicly rejected this arrangement, however, insisting his club will not accept offers as low as €70 million while accusing Gyokeres’ camp of “blackmail and insults”. Gyokeres’ response was furious, insisting he will never wear a Sporting shirt again and removing any mention of the club from his social media.
A Bola contends Arsenal are now ready to present a second offer which is expected to come “closer to the €80 million [Sporting] have set as the bar for negotiations.” With the relationship between Gyokeres and the Lions fractured beyond the point of repair, this bid may be sufficient to draw an end to a situation which has rapidly spiralled out of control.
But this means United’s chances of securing Amorim his “dream” target to lead the line at Old Trafford will end too. And with the number of options to upgrade the number nine position rapidly dwindling, it may prove a major blow to the Reds’ chances of a revival next season.
Featured image Carlos Rodrigues via Getty Images
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Darragh Fox
Darragh is a writer for The Peoples Person who spent three years as a history graduate slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about.
