Viktor Gyokeres Delivers Final Verdict on £70m Manchester United Move from Sporting

Manchester United have reportedly been informed that Viktor Gyokeres will not be joining them from Sporting this summer, leaving Arsenal in a stronger position to secure his signature. Ruben Amorim had been pursuing a reunion with the talented striker as part of his plans to revamp his United squad after a disappointing 15th-place finish in the Premier League and a loss in the Europa League final to Tottenham.

However, Amorim now appears to have been told that a move to United is off the table for the highly sought-after Swedish forward, marking another setback for the beleaguered head coach. According to the Portuguese outlet Record, Gyokeres’ decision was communicated through his agent last Friday, prompting United to explore other options in a crowded market.

Arsenal now appears to be the frontrunner to secure the prolific forward, who netted an astonishing 54 goals in 52 appearances for Sporting last season, with a new bid expected soon. Andrea Berta, Arsenal’s newly appointed sporting director, is said to have met with Sporting officials to discuss a potential deal for Viktor Gyokeres, although the initial approach was rebuffed.

In a dramatic twist, Gyokeres faced accusations of ‘blackmail’ from Sporting after allegedly threatening to strike in a last-ditch effort to facilitate a move. His representatives have countered, claiming the club failed to honor agreements that would have allowed him to leave for around £60million, but Sporting’s president, Frederico Varandas, dismissed these claims and accused the player’s agent of exacerbating the situation.

With a release clause set at £84m, Viktor Gyokeres is expected to depart for a lower fee. Recently, he took to Instagram to address the speculation, posting a cryptic message: “There is a lot of talks at the moment, most of it false. I will speak when the time is right.”

Varandas has responded sternly to the threats, asserting that he will not be pressured. “One thing you should already know is me better,” he stated, according to Record. “Threats, blackmail, and insults don’t work with me. Notably, Viktor Gyokeres has removed all references to Sporting from his Instagram account, as well as any mentions of Sweden and Nike.

As a result of the reported snub, United may pivot their attention towards Victor Osimhen, despite his high wage demands, or Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike. They have also been associated with Jean-Philippe Mateta and Jonathan David as potential targets.