Manchester United have received more good news in their quest to sign Viktor Gyokeres, who looks increasingly likely to leave Sporting CP this summer, as Arsenal look elsewhere
Manchester United have received fresh boosts in their quest to sign Viktor Gyokeres this summer. Ruben Amorim, who managed the Swedish striker at Sporting CP, is still looking to add to his attacking options, having already snapped up Matheus Cunha.
Despite his relationship with Amorim, Arsenal appeared to be ahead of United in the queue to sign Gyokeres, who has scored an incredible 97 goals in 102 games since signing for the Portuguese giants from Coventry City in 2023. However, the Gunners, who are desperate to land a top-class number nine this summer, may feel compelled to focus on another target, which would be excellent news for United.
Benjamin Sesko could be a more realistic target and a cheaper option after RB Leipzig dropped their asking price from £68million-£85m to around £59.7m, according to German outlet Bild. With the Gunners looking elsewhere, United could have an opportunity to swoop and make a statement signing ahead of Amorim’s first full season.
And in a fresh boost for United, Sporting appear to be making plans for life after Gyokeres, who is at odds with the club over his price tag. With their star striker’s future up in the air, the Lisbon side have reportedly set their sights on Union Saint-Gilloise striker Franjo Ivanovic as a potential replacement.
Per Germanijak.HR , Sporting have lodged a bid of around £17m, which is short of the Belgian champions’ valuation of £25.6m. Besiktas and Frankfurt , plus clubs in Italy, are also said to be interested in Ivanovic, who netted 20 goals for the Belgian champions last season.
Sporting landing a striker with a strong goalscoring record for less than £30m may also help United in their negotiations for Gyokeres, who is at odds with the Sporting hierarchy over his price tag.
It had been reported that the player believes he has a verbal agreement with the club whereby he can be sold for a fee worth £59m. Sporting president Frederico Varandas has denied that such an arrangement exists but has confirmed that the club did promise the 27-year-old they would not hold out for the full value stated in the release clause, believed to be almost £85m.
And in a fresh boost to United this weekend, Varandas admitted that there is a "strong likelihood" Gyokeres will leave the club this summer and for a possible discounted fee. He said: "Sporting is calm regarding this matter. Secondly, Sporting does not need to sell Viktor Gyokeres. Fortunately, we have moved past the phase of selling our main asset.
"However, we remain sensitive to Viktor’s dreams or those of any other athlete. Sporting has made a commitment that, after weeks of meetings, we will not demand the full amount of the clause; we will be reasonable regarding the amount requested for Viktor.
"Today, there is a strong likelihood that he will leave. I won’t disclose the amount, but the player knows what it is. I can say that Viktor will not leave for 60+10m. He won’t leave, absolutely not.
"In recent weeks, we have been paying attention. I saw a player, [Martin] Zubimendi, who is six months younger than Viktor, go [potentially to Arsenal] for 65m, and I saw Matheus Cunha move to Manchester United for around 75m euros [£62.5m. We are talking about players who are 26 years old. I believe Viktor could leave, unless he has the worst agent in the world, which I don’t believe, as his agent is one of the best in the world."