Viktor Gyokeres transfer 'preference' revealed as Arsenal, Man United target performs U-turn

Sporting Lisbon reportedly believe that Viktor Gyokeres would opt to sign for Arsenal if the Sweden international was given his pick of destinations this summer.

The Gunners and Manchester United are believed to be the two leading contenders to strike a deal for Gyokeres after Barcelona sporting director Deco ruled his side out of the running.

Reports earlier on Friday claimed that Gyokeres would be open to reuniting with Ruben Amorim at Manchester United, even if the Red Devils cannot offer him any form of European football.

Sporting are also believed to be willing to let the Scandinavian depart for a reasonable £60m fee, having verbally agreed to reduce his £85m release clause as a token of gratitude for his efforts.

However, Man United would still need to sell before they can buy, as they have forked out £62.5m on Matheus Cunha and are also working to sign Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo.

Sporting 'believe' Gyokeres prefers Arsenal move

Other clubs reported to be in the race include the likes of Liverpool and Juventus, as well as Saudi Pro League titans Al-Ittihad and Al-Quadisiya.

Gyokeres supposedly has no interest in leaving Europe at this point in his career, though, and according to The Mirror, Sporting believe that he has his sights set on a move to North London, an apparent U-turn from his previous stance on joining Man United.

Even though Italian and Spanish clubs are also monitoring the situation, the prospect of leading the line for Arsenal on Champions League nights is a compelling incentive for Gyokeres to move to North London.

The former Brighton & Hove Albion attacker has remained tight-lipped on his future whenever asked this summer, but it would be a shock to see him remain in Lisbon for 2025-26.

Since joining from Championship side Coventry City in 2023, Gyokeres has registered an astonishing 125 direct contributions from 102 matches in a Sporting shirt, 97 of his own and 28 assists.

Almost decision time for Arsenal's Andrea Berta

In some ways, Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is facing the best kind of transfer dilemma now that Gyokeres is said to be eyeing a switch to the Emirates.

Berta reportedly tried and failed to capture the Scandinavian for Atletico Madrid, but he has not lost sight of him since and has witnessed the striker go from strength to strength.

At the same time, however, Arsenal are said to be advancing in talks to sign RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko, whom they were also pursuing last year before he penned an extension with the German club.

However, Arsenal will not have the resources to sign both Gyokeres and Sesko in one window unless something extraordinary happens, so the Gunners must decide on their primary target sooner rather than later.

Written by
Ben Knapton