Viktor Gyokeres has become one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers, and the battle between two Premier League giants, Manchester United and Arsenal, to secure his signature is heating up. The Swedish forward has been in scintillating form for Sporting CP, and both clubs are eager to add his goal-scoring prowess to their squads. However, United believe they have a significant advantage in securing the 26-year-old, thanks to his close relationship with their head coach, Ruben Amorim.
Viktor Gyokeres’ Journey to Sporting CP: From Championship to European Stardom
Viktor Gyokeres’ rise to prominence has been nothing short of impressive. Just a few years ago, he was playing in the English Championship with Coventry City, where he helped the club narrowly miss out on promotion to the Premier League in May 2023. His performances for Coventry were enough to catch the eye of top clubs across Europe, and in July 2023, he made the move to Sporting CP in Portugal for a relatively modest fee of €20 million, plus add-ons.
This transfer marked the beginning of Viktor Gyokeres’ ascent as one of the most prolific strikers in European football. In just 18 months at Sporting, Viktor Gyokeres has become one of the most lethal finishers on the continent. In 80 appearances for the club, he has scored an astonishing 75 goals, and during the 2024/25 season, he is currently averaging more than one goal per game. His ability to find the back of the net consistently has made him a highly coveted asset.
The €100m Release Clause and the Battle Between Man Utd and Arsenal
Viktor Gyokeres’ rapid rise has not gone unnoticed, with several top clubs across Europe now looking to sign him. Barcelona and Chelsea have been linked with the striker, and there are reports suggesting that his release clause, set at €100 million, could be activated by a club willing to pay the full amount. However, the most intense competition for his signature has come from Manchester United and Arsenal.
The race between the two Premier League clubs is set to be a fascinating one, with both teams in need of an additional goal-scoring threat. United have been actively searching for a striker to strengthen their attack, while Arsenal are looking for a new forward following the unfortunate ACL injury to Gabriel Jesus.
Manchester United’s Advantage in the Race for Viktor Gyokeres
While Arsenal has certainly shown interest in Viktor Gyokeres, Manchester United appears to have a key advantage in the race to sign him. The primary factor behind this advantage is Viktor Gyokeres’ existing relationship with United’s manager, Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese coach worked with Viktor Gyokeres at Sporting CP and played a significant role in the striker’s development into one of Europe’s most clinical finishers.
United’s management is optimistic that this connection will give them the edge over Arsenal, as they aim to bring Viktor Gyokeres to Old Trafford. Amorim’s knowledge of Gyokeres’ strengths, as well as his ability to get the best out of the striker, makes United an appealing destination for the Swedish forward. Amorim has proven his capabilities as a manager, having led Sporting CP to an unbeaten start to the season before moving to Manchester United in November. This familiarity between manager and player could play a pivotal role in Viktor Gyokeres’ decision.
Arsenal’s Striker Search and Potential Roadblocks
Arsenal, under manager Mikel Arteta, have been actively searching for a forward to bolster their attack. Gabriel Jesus’ recent ACL injury has left a void in Arsenal’s forward line, and the club is keen to add a striker who can help take some of the pressure off their other attacking options. However, there are several factors that could complicate Arsenal’s pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres.
Firstly, the Gunners may be unwilling to meet Viktor Gyokeres’ €100 million release clause mid-season. The current financial landscape at Arsenal has been affected by other planned transfers, including a potential summer move for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, which is expected to cost around £51 million. This would significantly limit Arsenal’s budget for additional transfers this season, making it unlikely that they would be willing to pay the full release clause for Viktor Gyokeres.
Secondly, while Arsenal is certainly interested in strengthening their attack, the financial outlay for a player of Viktor Gyokeres’ caliber in the middle of the season may not align with their current priorities. The club may opt to focus their resources elsewhere or look for a more affordable option in the short term.
United’s Striking Options and the Role of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee
For Manchester United, the pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres also ties into their current striking options. United currently have Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee as part of their attacking roster. Hojlund, a summer signing, has shown promise, but United is not fully convinced by Zirkzee, who has struggled to make a significant impact since joining the club.
Zirkzee’s future at Old Trafford is in doubt, with reports suggesting that he could be heading back to Italy after an underwhelming first season in Manchester. Juventus are reportedly interested in signing Zirkzee, although a move could depend on their ability to offload striker Dusan Vlahovic. If Zirkzee departs, this would open up space in United’s squad for a new forward, and Viktor Gyokeres could be the ideal candidate to fill that role.
The Importance of Amorim’s Influence on Viktor Gyokeres’ Decision
Ruben Amorim’s relationship with Viktor Gyokeres could prove to be a decisive factor in the player’s decision to join Manchester United. Amorim knows the Swedish striker better than anyone, having worked with him at Sporting CP and overseen his development. This connection could be crucial in convincing Viktor Gyokeres to reunite with his former coach at United, especially as he looks to make the next step in his career.
Viktor Gyokeres has shown that he is ready to play at a higher level, and the prospect of joining a club as prestigious as Manchester United could be a major motivating factor. Despite United’s struggles in recent seasons and their 11-year Premier League title drought, the allure of playing for one of the world’s biggest clubs remains strong.
Conclusion: Will Viktor Gyokeres Join Manchester United or Arsenal?
As the transfer window approaches, Viktor Gyokeres’ future remains uncertain. Both Manchester United and Arsenal are heavily linked with the Swedish striker, but United’s strong connection with Ruben Amorim gives them a significant advantage in the race. Arsenal’s financial constraints and the competition from other top clubs could make it more difficult for them to sign Viktor Gyokeres, especially with his €100 million release clause.
Ultimately, Gyokeres’ decision will likely come down to a combination of factors, including his relationship with Amorim, the opportunity to play in the Premier League, and the club’s ambitions. While Arsenal remains a strong contender, Manchester United seems to be in pole position to secure the striker’s signature.
As the battle for Gyokeres intensifies, one thing is clear: the Swedish forward will be one of the most sought-after players in the upcoming transfer window, and his next move could have a significant impact on the Premier League’s title race.
