Arsenal facing decisive 36 hours as Gyokeres transfer saga enters crunch phase

Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres is being eyed by both Arsenal and Manchester United ahead of the summer transfer window

Wednesday night's Europa League final is expected to have a notable bearing on the future of Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres as Arsenal and Manchester United continue to probe for the highly-coveted Swede's services. The 26-year-old, who has scored 53 goals and also registered 13 assists in 51 appearances this season in Portugal, is one of Europe's hottest commodities and the race for his signature is expected to intensify as early as next week. Gyokeres is gearing up for his Sporting farewell on Sunday when he intends to sign off in style against Benfica in the Taça de Portugal final after already capturing his second successive Primeira Liga title last weekend. And while the ex-Brighton, Swansea City and Coventry City frontman is yet to confirm he'll be leaving Sporting this summer, the decision has already been made and there is a gentleman's agreement in place which will allow Gyokeres to depart for a package worth in the region of £60million.

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta considers Gyokeres the perfect fit for Mikel Arteta's project and a marquee No.9 is actively considered a transfer priority for the Gunners. It's currently unclear whether Gyokeres is Arsenal's primary target - there is also huge admiration for Newcastle's Alexander Isak and Benjamin Sesko - but Manchester United are also interested in Gyokeres and at this moment in time, it currently looks like a two-horse race. The Sporting hotshot wants to win trophies and compete at the highest level in the Champions League and if United fail to qualify for Europe's elite club competition next season, Arsenal will be well placed to beat their rivals to the punch should they decide to pursue a deal. United are already on course to seal the £62.5m signing of Wolves ' Matheus Cunha and they've also been speaking to Ipswich striker Liam Delap, however, given Gyokeres formed a close bond with Ruben Amorim during their time together in Lisbon, a move to Old Trafford is not yet out of the question. But their project is a difficult sell without Champions League football given they're currently floundering in 16th place in the Premier League and Arsenal are seemingly well equipped to continue competing for the top prizes, despite falling short this season.

Gyokeres turns 27 this summer, is entering his prime and now he's had a taste of silverware and Champions League football in Portugal, he does not want to waste time. Trophies, goals and records are what drive him and while you cannot underestimate the size and stature of United, Gyokeres looks like the missing piece of the puzzle for Arsenal and the kind of acquisition that could help them over the line next season. The Red Devils are also under significant financial strain and will need to sell once the Cunha deal has been processed in order to continue spending. Meanwhile, Arsenal are armed with huge cash and if United fail to beat Tottenham in Bilbao, it's clear the Gunners will be in pole position to land the red-hot Swede, if they wish to press the button.