Manchester United Nearing €70M Gyökeres Deal, But Striker Prefers Arsenal Move
Manchester United are close to reaching a €70 million agreement with Sporting CP for star striker Viktor Gyökeres, but the Swedish international is reportedly holding out for a transfer to Arsenal, according to Record.
United’s offer includes €60 million upfront and an additional €10 million in performance-based bonuses, terms which Sporting appear inclined to accept. However, Gyökeres, 26, is said to be uninterested in joining Manchester United, preferring instead to wait for Arsenal to match the same financial package.
Behind the scenes, Arsenal are negotiating a similar deal, and the player is hopeful Sporting will approve the move to North London. Sources close to the striker indicate that sporting ambition and Champions League participation are key factors in his preference for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Arteta’s Arsenal, already a Champions League contender and with a clear tactical identity, are viewed by Gyökeres as a project where he can further evolve. In contrast, the instability and pressure at Manchester United along with the club’s current absence from Europe’s elite competition have made the Old Trafford project far less appealing to the prolific forward.
Gyökeres’ form during the 2024/25 season was nothing short of sensational. The Swedish striker scored 54 goals and registered 12 assists across 52 matches, leading Sporting to a Liga Portugal title. In just over two seasons with the club, he has tallied 97 goals and 28 assists in 102 appearances.
His career totals now stand at 220 club goals and 15 international strikes for Sweden. The striker previously spent time in England with Brighton & Hove Albion and Coventry City, but is now poised for a high-profile return as one of Europe’s hottest attacking talents.
If the move to Arsenal is finalized, Gyökeres is expected to take over as the club’s marquee number 9, filling a long-standing need for a clinical finisher. The deal would mark a significant statement of intent by the Gunners as they aim to build on back-to-back Champions League campaigns.
Manchester United, meanwhile, may need to turn to alternative targets should Gyökeres remain firm in his preference for the Emirates Stadium.
