Manchester United’s hopes of signing Viktor Gyökeres this summer appear to have suffered a major blow, as fresh reports suggest the Swedish striker is now edging closer to a move to Arsenal.
Despite United’s long-standing interest and the connection with their newly appointed manager Rúben Amorim, it seems Arsenal may have overtaken them in the race for the Sporting CP forward.
According to French outlet L’Équipe and journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Arsenal have already reached a verbal agreement with Gyökeres’ representatives over a five-year contract.
The Gunners are now believed to be shifting their focus toward negotiating a final fee with Sporting Lisbon.
While the Portuguese club had previously been holding out for Gyökeres’ release clause of around £85 million, sources now indicate they may be willing to settle for a fee closer to £60–70 million, though they are not prepared to go any lower.
This development comes as a significant setback for Manchester United. The club had identified Gyökeres as one of their primary striker targets for the summer transfer window.
With the team struggling for consistent goal output last season, United were in urgent need of a prolific number nine, and Gyökeres — who scored 97 goals in just 102 games for Sporting — was seen as the ideal solution.
His previous success under Rúben Amorim, who brought him from Coventry City to Lisbon in 2023, further strengthened the belief that a reunion at Old Trafford could materialize.
However, despite the logical fit, United’s apparent delay or indecision in advancing negotiations may have cost them.
Arsenal, who have been tracking Gyökeres even before United entered the fray, seem to have capitalized on their early groundwork.
Mikel Arteta has been on the lookout for a dependable striker, especially after playing long spells without a natural centre-forward during the second half of the season.
With Champions League football on offer and a more settled project under Arteta, the north London club may have presented a more attractive proposition to the 27-year-old forward.
Interestingly, if Arsenal finalizes the transfer soon, Gyökeres could make his Premier League debut against Manchester United at Old Trafford, adding a potentially painful layer of irony to the saga — especially if he shines in that fixture.
For United, this means they must quickly redirect their focus to other attacking options.
Talks are ongoing with Joshua Zirkzee, and a £50 million bid is reportedly being prepared for Ademola Lookman.
Additionally, with speculation around Rasmus Højlund potentially being used in a swap deal for Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, United’s striker hunt is entering a critical phase.
This situation also casts doubt on Rúben Amorim’s influence in the market; if he couldn’t convince a former star under his management to join him at United, it raises questions about the club’s ability to attract top talent—particularly when competing with Champions League-level teams like Arsenal.
