Viktor Gyökeres Firm on Arsenal Move Despite Manchester United Interest

Viktor Gyökeres has told clubs he wants to join Arsenal. Manchester United and other top clubs are trying to sign the Swedish forward. But the transfer saga continues as talks between Arsenal and Sporting CP are delayed – and United look to hijack the deal with a similar bid.

WHAT KIND OF TRANSFER IS THIS?

The deal should have been worth around £55 million in a series of instalments. But there have been serious delays over add-ons and bonus payments. Sporting CP are demanding £69 million with easier-to-achieve clauses, while Arsenal‘s current add-on proposals have not satisfied Sporting. Seeing an opportunity, Manchester United – managed by Gyökeres‘ former Sporting coach Ruben Amorim – have entered advanced negotiations. But Gyökeres’ team have made it clear to Sporting he does not wish to join another team amid mounting speculation regarding his intentions.

THE BIGGER STORY: WHO ELSE HAVE ARSENAL TARGETED?

Arsenal were strongly linked with Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez, until Pep Guardiola made it clear City did not want to sell him and the player has since joined Atletico Madrid in Spain in the last summer transfer window. Arsenal has been improving the squad this season, with the additions of Norgaard and Zubimendi for the Midfield, Madueke for the wings, and Arrizabalaga as a backup goalkeeper. It seems a forward is the missing piece for the Gunners next season in light of recent struggles.

WHAT NEXT FOR GYOKERES?

The Swedish forward hasn’t been training with Sporting for the pre-season and has refused to show up for training. It is also said Sporting is already looking for replacement starting strikers, and if a move to North London is not possible, he seems like he could be left without much playing time for the upcoming season. But there is over a month left for the striker to find a club, and all cards are on the table as the transfer window remains active.