Viktor Gyokeres, the 24-year-old Swedish striker who has set Portugal’s Primeira Liga alight, finds himself at the heart of a gripping transfer saga as the 2025 summer window heats up. The Sporting CP star, with an astonishing 97 goals in 102 appearances since joining from Coventry City in 2023, has reportedly made a dramatic U-turn in his transfer preferences, shifting his focus from Arsenal to Manchester United. This unexpected twist, driven by Arsenal’s pursuit of RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, has positioned United as frontrunners to secure the prolific forward’s signature, promising to reshape their attacking line for the 2025-26 Premier League season.
Gyokeres’ meteoric rise at Sporting, where he netted 54 goals in 52 games last season, has made him one of Europe’s most coveted strikers. His desire to leave Lisbon is no secret, with the player openly expressing frustration with Sporting’s €86 million valuation—far above the €55-65 million Arsenal initially offered. “Viktor Gyokeres has informed Sporting CP he’ll never play for the club again,” a source close to the player revealed, citing a fractured relationship with club president Federico Varandas, who accused Gyokeres’ camp of “blackmail and insults.” The striker’s bold stance, including removing Sporting mentions from his social media, underscores his determination to secure a move to the Premier League, where he previously shone at Coventry, Swansea, and Brighton.
Initially, Arsenal appeared to be Gyokeres’ “priority,” with the Gunners’ Champions League football and Mikel Arteta’s ambitious project aligning with his aspirations. “Viktor Gyokeres’ priority remains Arsenal. He wants to go to Arsenal and play Champions League football,” transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed earlier in June. Arsenal’s interest intensified after Sporting identified Almeria’s Luis Javier Suarez as Gyokeres’ replacement, signaling their willingness to negotiate. However, Arsenal’s simultaneous pursuit of Sesko, a 22-year-old Slovenian striker, has complicated matters. With Sesko reportedly nearing a move to the Emirates, Gyokeres has pivoted, opening the door for Manchester United to seize the advantage.
Manchester United, under new manager Ruben Amorim—who coached Gyokeres at Sporting—see the Swede as the “dream” signing to replace Rasmus Hojlund and ignite their attack after a lackluster 2024-25 campaign. “Gyokeres has sent a clear message to Manchester United,” a report noted, emphasizing his openness to reuniting with Amorim at Old Trafford. United’s absence from the Champions League poses a challenge, but their aggressive pursuit, including a potential £60-65 million bid, has gained traction. “Manchester United keep calling for Gyokeres, so they’re really in there,” Romano added, highlighting United’s determination despite financial constraints under Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR). A potential sale of players like Alejandro Garnacho or Marcus Rashford could fund the move.
The transfer race has drawn interest from other clubs, with Liverpool briefly linked as a potential destination for Gyokeres as a replacement for Darwin Nunez. However, reports confirm Liverpool’s focus has shifted elsewhere, with TNT Sports stating, “Liverpool have no interest in signing Manchester United target Viktor Gyokeres.” Arsenal’s renewed offer, reportedly nearing €80 million, keeps them in contention, but Gyokeres’ shift toward United has left the Gunners reeling. “Arsenal are set to make a new offer for Gyokeres,” a source indicated, but the player’s preference for United, coupled with Amorim’s influence, has tilted the scales.
Gyokeres’ journey from Sweden to Portugal via England’s lower tiers showcases his resilience and goal-scoring prowess. His 174 career goals, including 43 in 116 games at Coventry, make him a proven commodity. “He’s just scored more than 50 times in Portugal,” a United fan enthused on X, reflecting the excitement around his potential arrival. For Arsenal, missing out on Gyokeres could prompt a renewed push for Sesko or other targets like Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, while United see him as the key to reviving their fortunes.
As the transfer window unfolds, Gyokeres’ decision hangs in the balance. Will he join United to reunite with Amorim and spearhead their rebuild, or will Arsenal’s late push reclaim his allegiance? The saga, fueled by his extraordinary talent and fierce ambition, promises to keep fans on edge as the 2025-26 season looms.
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