Manchester United are reportedly making a dramatic late move in the transfer market to secure the signature of Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres, with sources suggesting that the Red Devils are on the verge of matching the Portuguese club’s full €70 million valuation of the Swedish forward.
This bold step from United could significantly disrupt Arsenal’s long-standing interest in Gyökeres, a player they have been negotiating for over the past several weeks. The Gunners had submitted an offer comprising €63.5 million in an upfront payment, with the remaining balance proposed as performance-related add-ons.
However, despite Arsenal’s early and consistent efforts, they have yet to reach a formal agreement with Sporting CP, creating an opportunity for Manchester United to swoop in with a more attractive financial package that fully satisfies the Portuguese club’s demands.
According to Portuguese media outlet SIC, Manchester United are now confident they can hijack the deal and convince Sporting to accept their offer in full. The Premier League giants are hoping that their willingness to meet the €70 million asking price outright will give them the upper hand in finalizing a transfer ahead of their North London rivals.
Gyökeres, 27, has expressed a clear desire to leave Sporting this summer and is understood to be pushing hard for a move to the Premier League. Reports confirm that he has already missed pre-season training sessions and other club activities in protest, signaling his dissatisfaction with Sporting’s slow progress in facilitating a transfer.
Despite United’s intervention, well-known transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has reported that there has been no shift in the player’s stance. Gyökeres remains focused on joining Arsenal and is said to have maintained constant communication with his agent to ensure that his preferred move is pursued diligently. Both player and representative are believed to be in full alignment regarding a future at the Emirates Stadium.
Meanwhile, Portuguese news outlet Maisfutebol has highlighted the emotional toll the prolonged transfer saga is having on the player and his family. Gyökeres’ father reportedly broke down in frustration as uncertainty continues to cloud the striker’s future amid stalled negotiations and speculation from multiple clubs.
If Manchester United succeed in finalizing a deal with Sporting CP, it would mark a significant setback for Arsenal, who view Gyökeres as a critical addition to their attacking lineup ahead of the 2025/2026 campaign. His physical presence, goal-scoring ability, and recent form have made him a priority target for Mikel Arteta’s side.
As of now, Arsenal are still widely regarded as the frontrunners in the race for Gyökeres. However, the emergence of Manchester United as serious contenders could shift the dynamics of the negotiation, especially if Sporting decide to accept United’s full cash offer over Arsenal’s structured proposal.
All eyes are now on Old Trafford and the Emirates as the two Premier League rivals enter what could be the final phase of the transfer battle for one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers this summer.