Manchester United have recently been offered the opportunity to swoop in and snap up Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres right from under Arsenal’s noses.
United are on the hunt for reinforcements in the striker position and Gyokeres is a player they are believed to be interested in.
The Swede enjoyed another prolific season, netting a mind-boggling 54 goals in 52 appearances during the 2024/25 campaign. A reunion with Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford has been mooted but at the moment, Arsenal are the clear frontrunners to secure his signature.
Arsenal leading Gyokeres chase
United have been linked to Gyokeres for weeks now but Arsenal are the most advanced in a deal to sign him. The Gunners already have an agreement over personal terms in place with the striker’s camp.
Earlier this month, David Ornstein of The Athletic revealed that Arsenal were on the brink of striking a deal with Sporting for Gyokeres. At the moment, talks remain deadlocked as Sporting hold out for more money but a breakthrough is expected unless something drastic happens.
There have been claims from Portuguese media that United are still in the running for Gyokeres’ signature. Some reports have gone as far as suggesting that Amorim’s side are nearing an agreement with Sporting.
Now, Romano has given an update on the situation and clarified what is going on.
Romano sets the record straight on Gyokeres to United
Romano said, “You remember last week we had the story from Portugal, of a potential Manchester United hijack for Viktor Gyokeres and I told you how the player is showing a strong commitment to Arsenal’s project.”
“Well, what I want to tell you is that in the last 24 hours, especially in recent hours or overnight, the night between Monday and Tuesday, intermediaries and agents close to Sporting have again offered Manchester United the opportunity to enter into the deal and hijack the move.”
“So basically, what they did is tell Manchester United something like: if you want [him], Arsenal are offering this. But the deal is not closed yet. So if you want, you can enter and reach an agreement with Sporting.”
“So Man United have been offered again, the opportunity offered to Saudi clubs around 10-12 days ago to enter, hijack and reach an agreement with Sporting.”
🚨 JUST IN: On the night from Monday to Tuesday, Viktor Gyökeres was once again offered to Manchester United. The player’s message has not changed: he wants to join Arsenal. #MUFC [@FabrizioRomano] pic.twitter.com/LEbBxlBNfP
— UtdXclusive (@UtdXclusive) July 22, 2025
Arsenal expected to return with improved offer for Gyokeres
Amidst all this, Portuguese news outlet A Bola note that Arsenal are set to make a “renewed attempt” to finally wrap up a deal for Gyokeres.
Arsenal are eager to close the transfer to “satisfy” Mikel Arteta, who is desperate to have the 27-year-old lead the line next season.
A Bola add, “The manager is therefore still awaiting Gyokeres’ arrival, even though there were fears at one point that Arsenal’s pursuit might collapse.”
“There is, however, growing expectation at Sporting that Arsenal will return with a new offer, one that gets closer to the club’s demands: the €80 million figure, achievable through a mix of a fixed fee and performance-related add-ons.”
Featured image Gualter Fatia via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
