HERE WE GO: Arsenal finally completes striker’s signing after snubbing Real Madrid and Manchester United- Medical currently ongoing
Viktor Gyokeres is ready to snub Manchester United’s advances in favour of his ‘dream’ move to Arsenal, according to latest reports.
United held exploratory discussions about buying the 27-year-old, with Ruben Amorim intent on strengthening the position. But it is understood the player’s representatives have told United he does not wish to join the club.
Gyokeres is understood to view Arsenal as his preferred next destination with the Gunners currently in preliminary talks with the striker’s team.
The Guardian claim that Champions League football is crucial to Gyokeres’ decision and despite the lure of a reunion with Amorim, the Swede is ready to turn down his former manager.
Arsenal are currently in discussions with RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko too and a final decision on who they will pursue is expected in the coming days.
Gyokeres’ extraordinary form in Portugal saw him score 54 goals in 52 appearances across all competitions last season and the Sporting CP hitman is widely regarded as the hottest striker in Europe right now.
Whether Mikel Arteta views the Swede as his first-choice centre-forward recruit is unclear as he is thought to prefer the 22-year-old Sesko. Sporting value Gyokeres at about €80m (£68m).
In a further blow for United, Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo is now seriously considering Tottenham’s proposal, following their appointment of ex-Bees boss Thomas Frank as the club’s new manager.
United remain confident of landing the 25-year-old this summer but it is no longer considered a foregone conclusion.
The transfer window reopens on Monday as clubs look to finalise their plans and set sights on their preferred targets.
It’s likely that both Gyokeres and Mbeumo’s futures will be decided quite early in the window, with Manchester United and Arsenal mulling over their options.
Gyokeres’ incredible form for Sporting last season also saw the Swede net a brilliant hat trick as the Portuguese club thrashed Manchester City in the Champions League.
