Viktor Gyökeres Tells Ruben Amorim His View on Joining Arsenal Ahead of Man Utd
Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres has reportedly communicated his transfer preference to manager Ruben Amorim amid mounting interest from Premier League heavyweights Arsenal and Manchester United. The Swedish international, whose goal-scoring exploits in Portugal have made him one of Europe’s hottest commodities, is understood to favor a move to Arsenal should the Lisbon club sanction a summer transfer.
Sources close to the player suggest Gyökeres has already had conversations with Amorim about his future and has made it clear where his heart lies. The news is a significant development in the transfer saga that is likely to intensify as the summer window approaches.
Gyökeres’ Stunning Season at Sporting
Viktor Gyökeres arrived at Sporting CP in the summer of 2023 from Coventry City, where he had been one of the standout performers in the Championship. There were questions about whether he could replicate his form in a top-tier European league, but the striker answered all doubts with a sensational debut season.
The 26-year-old notched over 30 goals and double-digit assists in all competitions, helping Sporting challenge strongly for the Primeira Liga title and make a deep run in European competition. His physicality, intelligent movement, and clinical finishing have made him the focal point of Amorim’s attacking system and a fan favorite at the Estádio José Alvalade.
Unsurprisingly, Gyökeres’ red-hot form has caught the eye of several elite clubs, with Arsenal and Manchester United leading the chase.
Arsenal’s Tactical Fit Appeals to Gyökeres
According to Portuguese outlet Record, Gyökeres is intrigued by Mikel Arteta’s project at Arsenal and sees himself fitting seamlessly into the Spaniard’s system. Arteta’s preference for a dynamic No. 9 who can press, link play, and finish ruthlessly aligns well with Gyökeres’ style of play.
Arsenal’s possession-based, high-pressing approach is not dissimilar to how Sporting operate under Amorim, making the potential transition smoother for the Swede. With the Gunners lacking a consistent, clinical striker this past season, Gyökeres is viewed internally as a natural solution to their goal-scoring challenges.
While Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah have shown flashes of brilliance, neither has consistently led the line with the efficiency Arteta desires. Gyökeres, with his strength, mobility, and finishing touch, could offer the edge Arsenal need to turn narrow draws into decisive wins.
Manchester United: Tempting, But Less Aligned?
Manchester United, meanwhile, remain in the market for a proven striker to support and potentially partner Rasmus Højlund. Despite their reported admiration for Gyökeres, it’s believed the player harbors doubts about how he would be utilized at Old Trafford.
Under Erik ten Hag, United have struggled for consistency in attacking patterns, and with the club in transition under the new INEOS-led sporting project, there’s uncertainty around the tactical direction and immediate ambition of the squad.
Gyökeres is said to be concerned about being part of yet another rebuild rather than joining a team already on the cusp of winning titles. Arsenal, who finished runners-up in the Premier League two seasons running and have a settled, youthful core, offer a more stable and attractive platform for success.
Ruben Amorim’s Influence and Sporting’s Stance
Sporting head coach Ruben Amorim plays a crucial role in Gyökeres’ immediate future. The Portuguese boss, who himself has been linked with Premier League clubs, is reluctant to lose his talisman but understands the financial reality facing Sporting.
Sporting inserted a release clause of €100 million into Gyökeres’ contract—one they intend to demand in full or as close to as possible. Amorim is reportedly in regular contact with the striker and has acknowledged his wish to move on if a Champions League-contending club makes an acceptable offer.
Despite Gyökeres’ preference for Arsenal, Amorim will not facilitate a discount for any club, including the Gunners. The club’s hierarchy believes Gyökeres is one of the best strikers in Europe and will not part with him easily.
Agent Activity and Premier League Buzz
Gyökeres’ representatives have been active in recent weeks, holding informal discussions with several top Premier League clubs. Arsenal have made their interest known through intermediaries, though no formal bid has yet been submitted. Manchester United, too, have expressed intent but are currently prioritizing central defense and midfield reinforcements.
Chelsea and AC Milan have also been loosely linked, but it’s understood that Gyökeres favors a move to a club with a defined style and Champions League football. Arsenal currently tick more boxes on that front.
With his agents exploring the market, a bidding war could yet emerge, especially if Arsenal hesitate or seek to negotiate Sporting’s asking price.
Arsenal’s Financial Approach
The Gunners are expected to be active in the transfer window but will need to carefully manage their budget amid financial fair play constraints. Selling fringe players like Nketiah, Smith Rowe, or Kieran Tierney could free up funds for a marquee striker.
Sporting’s demand of €100 million may prove to be a stumbling block, but Arsenal are believed to be willing to offer around €75-80 million plus bonuses. Sporting, however, have little incentive to sell below the release clause unless Gyökeres pushes hard for a specific destination.
Should Arsenal offload the right assets, a big-money move could become more feasible. With Kai Havertz excelling in a hybrid midfield-forward role, Gyökeres could offer Arteta the traditional No. 9 profile he’s been seeking since taking charge.
What Next?
For now, the situation remains fluid. Gyökeres is fully focused on finishing the season strongly with Sporting, but his future beyond the summer looks increasingly destined for England. Ruben Amorim, while keen to keep his star striker, has been realistic in recent comments.
In a recent press conference, Amorim said: “Viktor is a fantastic professional, and I understand the interest he is attracting. We want him to stay, but the market has its own reality.”
Whether Arsenal can make their move early and secure the striker remains to be seen. Manchester United are still lurking and could pounce if Arsenal hesitate or fail to meet Sporting’s valuation.
Conclusion
Viktor Gyökeres has made his preference clear to Ruben Amorim: if he is to move this summer, Arsenal is the destination he sees as best for his career. With their rising trajectory, Champions League football, and a clear tactical identity, the Gunners offer an enticing opportunity.
Manchester United remain interested, but unless they can solidify their vision and offer clarity on his role, they may lose ground in the race. Sporting CP, for their part, are holding firm on their €100 million clause, knowing they have one of the most coveted strikers in Europe on their hands.
The stage is set for a major transfer battle—and Gyökeres may be the forward who defines the summer window for both Arsenal and Manchester United.
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