Viktor Gyokeres has reportedly informed his former manager Ruben Amorim that he prefers a move to Arsenal, largely because of their participation in next season’s Champions League.
Manchester United, meanwhile, are actively working to bolster their attacking options. They’ve already secured Matheus Cunha from Wolves and are pursuing Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, with Amorim hoping to finalize that deal before pre-season begins.
Despite these additions, United’s central striker options remain limited to Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, who managed just seven league goals between them last season.
That lack of firepower has prompted Amorim to target a reunion with Gyokeres, who netted an incredible 39 goals in 33 league matches for Sporting and earned a reputation as one of Europe’s most lethal forwards.
However, according to Fabrizio Romano, Gyokeres has prioritized a move to Arsenal, dealing a setback to United’s plans and potentially forcing them to explore alternative options.
The journalist said on his YouTube channel: “Viktor Gyokeres remains a priority, and his priority remains Arsenal. He wants to go to Arsenal, he wants to play Champions League football for Arsenal.
“He never rejected Manchester United, but he told Manchester United that his priority would be Arsenal, so let’s follow that situation.”
Arsenal’s urgent search for a striker adds further complication to Manchester United’s pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres.
Injuries to both Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus left the Gunners short-handed mid-season, and although Mikel Merino filled in up front, the absence of a natural goal-scorer was evident during a slump that allowed Liverpool to pull away in the title race.
Benjamin Šeško has also emerged as a potential target for Arsenal, which might shift the dynamic in United’s favor if Arsenal back off from Gyokeres.
However, if negotiations for Šeško prove too complex, Mikel Arteta may turn his attention back to the Sporting striker—potentially derailing United’s hopes of securing him.
