Manchester United Offered Fresh Chance to Hijack Arsenal's Gyokeres Deal – But Striker Has Already Made His Choice

Manchester United have been handed a second opportunity to sign Viktor Gyokeres this summer, but the Swedish striker has once again made it clear that he only wants to join Arsenal.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Sporting CP have approached United for the second week in a row, offering them a chance to meet their €70 million (£60.6m) asking price for Gyokeres after talks with Arsenal slowed down. Despite the fresh opportunity, United have not advanced in negotiations – because Gyokeres remains focused on making a move to north London.

The 26-year-old striker is one of the most in-demand forwards in Europe after a standout season in Portugal, where he scored 43 goals and provided 15 assists in all competitions. It’s no surprise that both Arsenal and United are on the hunt for a reliable goal scorer, but Gyokeres has already made up his mind.

United offered second chance, but Gyokeres prefers Arsenal

This marks the second time Sporting have approached United, as talks between the Portuguese club and Arsenal continue to stall over the structure of the transfer fee. While Sporting want the full €70m up front, Arsenal are proposing a deal that includes €63.5m in an initial payment, with the rest to be paid through add-ons.

Sporting, hoping to speed up a resolution, have once again floated the idea of United stepping in. But it appears to be a non-starter. As Romano explained, United aren’t planning to push for the striker unless he shows a real desire to join them – and that hasn’t changed.

Despite the opening, Gyokeres is said to be set on Arsenal and is waiting for both clubs to find a breakthrough.

United’s striker hunt goes on

The Red Devils continue to search for a new striker before the summer window closes on September 1. According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, United had previously shown interest in Hugo Ekitike earlier this summer, but the Eintracht Frankfurt forward was reportedly more interested in a switch to Liverpool.

Gyokeres was discussed as a serious option after that, but with the player unwilling to join, United have stepped back.

Amorim’s side are preparing for a busy pre-season tour of the United States, with their first friendly scheduled for July 26 against West Ham at the MetLife Stadium. Yet the lack of a new striker remains a concern for the manager heading into the new season.

Arsenal confident of sealing the deal

While Sporting are holding firm on their fee demands, Arsenal remain confident they can strike a deal for Gyokeres before the window closes. With Gabriel Jesus struggling with injuries last season and Kai Havertz not fully convincing as a central striker, Arteta is keen to add a consistent goal scorer to his squad.

And for Gyokeres, it seems the Emirates is the only place he wants to call home next season.