Manchester United have been hit with a transfer bombshell after Portuguese media reported that Viktor Gyokeres’ move to rivals Arsenal is all but done. The Sporting CP striker, 26, has been strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford since his former manager Ruben Amorim was appointed as the Red Devils boss in November.
United were seen as favourites at one stage due to Amorim’s close bond with the centre-forward, who scored in the 2-0 win over Vitoria at the weekend to clinch a second successive Liga Portugal title. Gyokeres’ strike marked his 53rd goal of the season and 96th in total in just 101 appearances for the side. And he has the chance to take his tally to 100 goals when he faces rivals Benfica in the Taca de Portugal final on Sunday, which is also likely to be his last appearance for the club.
That’s because Portuguese media on Monday morning boldly all claimed that the former Coventry and Brighton striker is set to become an Arsenal player next season. The Gunners’ new sporting director Andrea Berta was reported in late March to be a huge admirer of Gyokeres.
It now appears the Italian and manager Mikel Arteta have got their man, according to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo. Their front page ran with a headline which translates to: “Swede on his way to Arsenal.” It is claimed that a £58.9million deal has been struck between the two clubs and all that is left is the agreement of personal terms.
The Gunners’ board have prioritised a striker as their main summer transfer target after a disappointing season and two lacklustre transfer windows which left them short of firepower. If Gyokeres does end up joining Arsenal, it would signify a brilliant start to the window for the north Londoners.
That news would have come as a huge blow to United earlier this season. But the Red Devils now appear to have switched their focus to other strikers in the transfer market.
According to the Manchester Evening News, there is optimism at Old Trafford surrounding Matheus Cunha’s planned arrival from Wolves. The Brazilian has a £62.5m release clause and is said to be in advanced talks over a switch to United.
Meanwhile, Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap has been identified as the prime target to replace Rasmus Hojlund as Amorim’s starting striker. The 22-year-old is available for just £30m after Ipswich’s relegation back down to the Championship, although there is strong interest elsewhere in the Premier League.
Victor Osimhen is another long-time target whose phenomenal goal-scoring runs at Napoli and now Galatasaray have made him one of the most sought-after forwards in the world. While the Nigerian is expected to leave Napoli on a permanent deal this summer, transfer journalist David Ornstein reported last month that “he is not on the agenda for Manchester United”.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk