Viktor Gyokeres drops Arsenal transfer bombshell as huge new Man Utd twist emerges

Arsenal-linked Viktor Gyokeres has reportedly rejected a move to Manchester United this summer.

Reports from Sky Sports on Tuesday claimed that United have made an approach for Gyokeres in their efforts to sign a new striker this summer. The Sweden international knows United manager Ruben Amorim well from their time in Portugal together, while many at Old Trafford will have been hoping this could help them convince him to join the club.

However, as per claims in Portuguese publication Record, Gyokeres has turned down the chance to become a United player, with his agents informing transfer chiefs. Arsenal now appear to be in the lead for his services as they too pursue his signature.

Gyokeres has emerged as one of Europe’s finest No.9s in recent seasons with a staggering 97 goals in 102 matches since his move from Coventry City to Liga Portugal in July 2023. The forward scored 39 of those goals in the league this season, to help Sporting win a memorable league and cup double.

The 27-year-old reportedly has a gentleman’s agreement to leave Sporting this summer for offers over £58million (€70m), despite a release clause of around £84m (€100m).

However, club president Frederico Varandas revealed, on Wednesday, that no promises were made to Gyokeres about letting him leave for a cheaper deal this summer.

“It was agreed that Sporting would not demand his release clause at the end of the season, especially because he was going to be 27,” Varandas said. “We knew about Viktor’s dream of going to a club where he could fight for the Champions League and we have common sense.

“We guaranteed that we would not demand €100m. Sporting has common sense, it keeps its word.

“The president of Sporting said that the club would not demand the clause and that we would adjust the value to Viktor’s performance, he was one of the best players to step on the pitch in Portugal.”