Viktor Gyokeres has been handed extended leave by Sporting, while the Portuguese club prepares for pre-season. However, he prefers Arsenal over Man United.
Over the last few weeks, Man United has suddenly entered the fray to sign Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting. While they face competition from Arsenal, the hope is not lost for Man United, even with their lack of European football next season.
So, with the whispers growing louder, Man United fans are on the edge of their seats regarding Viktor Gyokeres. Can they pull off a transfer which they would never have foreseen even being linked to just weeks ago?
Viktor Gyokeres wants Arsenal, not Man United
According to a report from The Sun (h/t Daily Mail), Viktor Gyokeres has been in direct conversation with Sporting president Frederico Varandas and outwardly stated he wants to join Arsenal. He believes that after giving everything to Sporting, he deserves the opportunity to join Arsenal.
Man United isn't mentioned as being on Gyokeres' radar within the report, but it won't stop Man United from trying. While Man United cannot promise European football, Amorim can promise a long-term challenge and a passion project to hungry players.
Heck, it seems to have worked with Cunha and Mbuemo already.
Man United still needs to sign a striker
Even if Man United decides not to pursue Gyokeres based on this information, which they already knew, then Man United still needs to sign new attackers.
Sure, Cunha is already on the books and Mbuemo is seemingly following suit, but those two signings don't scratch the surface of what United needs this summer. They need an entire offensive rebuild.
Fans cannot help but factor the magnitude of players leaving this summer even if they didn't play a part last season. Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford and Antony all have their bags packed already.
As for the central forward position, Man United are not entirely satisfied there. Rasmus Hojlund has underperformed and Joshua Zirkzee is a name that most forgot about last season.
Gyokeres would be great, but being realistic is a great trait. Man United must have a shortlist of alternatives drawn up, if they don't already.