Man United respond to £68m star's rejection as transfer saga takes interesting new twist
Manchester United have decided not to give up on this leading summer transfer target.
By now, it’s far from a secret that Manchester United are among the clubs interested in signing Viktor Gyokeres this summer. The Sporting CP star, who knows Ruben Amorim well from their time together, is on the radar of multiple clubs as speculation shrouds his next move.
United are in desperate need of new attacking options following a disappointing season in front of goal. The likes of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee had underwhelming campaigns in front of goal, highlighting the urgent need to bring in a reliable centre-forward.
Gyokeres is one of the leading targets at Old Trafford but Amorim and co were recently dismissed as likely suitors. Reports from Portugal claimed United had been rejected as the 54-goal powerhouse preferred the idea of Arsenal instead.
Man United respond to Viktor Gyokeres rejection
Portuguese outlet Record reported over the weekend that Gyokeres has ‘no intention’ of moving to Manchester and instead favours Arsenal as his next destination.
According to Portuguese outlet Record, Gyokeres has ‘no intention’ of signing for United this summer. Instead, his favoured destination is Arsenal as the North London side prepare for another Premier League title charge next season.
“Viktor Gyokeres has said no to Manchester United. The footballer’s agents have informed Ruben Amorim’s club that he is no longer an option for the forward,” the outlet claimed.
United have taken a plan of action following this news. According to the latest print edition of A Bola, the Red Devils have not closed the door on pursuing Gyokeres. The club remain ‘attentive’ to the link between the Swede and Arsenal.
Amorim’s side have ‘not given up’ on trying to sign the 27-year-old but they will reportedly only approach the table if Arsenal ‘end up of the race’.
Arsenal cool interest in Viktor Gyokeres in new twist
In an interesting turn of events, Arsenal’s interest has diluted since the claim that the Emirates was Gyokeres’ preference. Record, the same outlet that reported the striker’s decision to snub United, has claimed the Gunners have put a ‘freeze’ on their interest as Sporting will not budge on their asking price.
Sunday’s paper edition of the outlet says Arsenal feel the proposed transfer fee is too high and they believe they can sign cheaper options in the likes of Benjamin Sesko and Ollie Watkins instead.
Sporting are not willing to lower their demand of €80 million (£68m) they’ve placed above Gyokeres. Mikel Arteta’s side see this as too far out of their budget, having only offered an initial €55 million (£47m) plus €10 million (£8.5m) in add-ons and are seemingly unwilling to go any higher.
Gyokeres is still keen on the idea of joining Arsenal but things have now ‘slowed down’ between the two parties.
This almost immediate follow up from the news that Arsenal were viewed as the favoured destination is a very interesting twist in the tale for United. However, with Sporting clearly not willing to budge on their asking price, the Red Devils may need to shell out significant cash to make a deal happen.