Manchester United Back in Pole Position for Gyökeres as Arsenal Withdraw Interest
Manchester United appear to have regained the upper hand in their pursuit of Sporting CP’s prolific striker Viktor Gyökeres, as fresh reports indicate that Arsenal have decided to step away from the negotiations.
This major shift gives United a clearer pathway toward securing the Swedish forward, who has been a key target for their summer transfer plans.
What originally seemed like a fairly straightforward deal began to unravel earlier in the week when Sporting CP president Frederico Varandas publicly denied any agreement to sell Gyökeres for £51 million plus an additional £8.5 million in performance-related bonuses.
Although the player’s representatives insisted that a gentleman’s agreement had been made, Sporting have been unwavering in their stance, insisting they will only accept the full £68 million release clause outlined in the striker’s contract.
Arsenal had been negotiating in an attempt to bring down the price, but with Sporting holding firm on their valuation even amid reports of Gyökeres’ growing frustration over the stalled talks — the Gunners have opted to step away from the race.
Reports from Portugal now suggest that Arsenal have shifted their focus towards other striking options.
Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig has emerged as their primary target, while Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins is also being considered as a possible alternative.
This turn of events has created a major opening for Manchester United, who are still actively searching for a new striker to lead their front line.
Gyökeres remains a top priority for new United boss Ruben Amorim, who previously worked with him at Sporting and played a significant role in developing his game.
Their prior working relationship could be a decisive factor in convincing the Swedish international to make the move to Old Trafford, where his prolific record in Portugal — scoring 54 goals across all competitions last season — makes him an enticing prospect.
With Arsenal seemingly out of the picture, Manchester United now face little to no competition for Gyökeres’ signature.
The familiarity between Amorim and Gyökeres is seen as a major advantage, especially since the striker fits perfectly into Amorim’s tactical blueprint, which emphasizes high pressing, fluid attacking transitions, and clinical finishing.
Gyökeres brings more than just goal-scoring; his ability to press, hold possession, and contribute to build-up play makes him a well-rounded forward suited to United’s evolving system.
Arsenal’s decision to withdraw simplifies United’s transfer strategy, although they may still be required to meet the full €70 million release clause to finalize the deal.
For United, the need for a reliable goal scorer remains urgent.
Rasmus Højlund, while talented, has yet to consistently deliver at an elite level, and the club’s other attacking options — Matheus Cunha and Joshua Zirkzee — are more creative and versatile rather than being pure finishers.
At 27, Gyökeres offers a proven goal-scoring pedigree, combined with experience and physicality, making him an attractive solution to United’s current attacking shortcomings.
Ultimately, the outcome now depends on several key decisions behind the scenes.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe will need to authorize the significant financial investment, while new sporting director Dan Ashworth will be tasked with managing the delicate negotiations with Sporting CP.
Simultaneously, Gyökeres himself may need to take an active role in pushing for the transfer to ensure it goes through smoothly.
With Arsenal effectively stepping aside, Manchester United are now in prime position to secure one of Europe’s most prolific forwards — provided they are prepared to meet Sporting’s financial demands and finalize the deal swiftly.
