Manchester United appear to have regained the upper hand in the pursuit of Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres, as Arsenal are now reportedly retreating from the race. What once seemed like a tug-of-war between two Premier League giants is now looking like a clearer path for United, who are in need of a proven striker. The development comes amid reports that Arsenal are shifting focus elsewhere after being unwilling to meet Sporting’s full financial demands for the Swedish forward.
The deal began to unravel when Sporting president Frederico Varandas rejected Arsenal’s proposal of £51 million plus £8.5 million in performance-related bonuses. While Gyökeres’ representatives insisted there was a gentleman’s agreement for a move, Varandas held firm — nothing less than the full €70 million (£68 million) release clause would do. This refusal to negotiate has left Arsenal hesitant, despite Gyökeres’ apparent dissatisfaction with the stalled talks.
Reports from Portugal now indicate Arsenal have hit pause on their pursuit of the striker and are eyeing new targets. Top of their list is RB Leipzig’s rising star Benjamin Sesko, while Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins is also under consideration. Arsenal’s pivot suggests they no longer believe a compromise with Sporting is feasible — at least not on their terms — and they’re not keen to enter a bidding war for the Swede.
This tactical retreat by Arsenal naturally opens a door for Manchester United. With Arsenal backing off, United’s path is less cluttered, and they now have a real shot at securing Gyökeres without a rival Premier League suitor breathing down their neck. The striker already has a strong rapport with United’s new boss, Ruben Amorim, under whom he flourished during their time together at Sporting.
Amorim, now leading the Red Devils, is reportedly keen on reuniting with his former talisman. Gyökeres, who bagged an eye-popping 54 goals across all competitions last season, is viewed as a perfect tactical fit — aggressive in the press, swift in transition, and capable of both scoring and linking play. This alignment in playing style and personal familiarity gives United a strategic edge as they press forward with negotiations.
Although United still need to meet the release clause to get the deal done, Arsenal’s exit from the conversation gives them critical leverage. There’s no direct Premier League competition now, and with Sir Jim Ratcliffe overseeing transfer strategy and Dan Ashworth tasked with executing the deal, the pieces are falling into place — assuming the club is willing to pay up.
From a squad-building angle, Gyökeres looks like the solution to a persistent problem. Rasmus Højlund, while promising, remains inconsistent. The likes of Matheus Cunha and Joshua Zirkzee offer creativity but lack that ruthless, reliable goal tally United desperately need. At 27, Gyökeres is entering his prime and could be the kind of finished product United’s attack has missed for years.
So, here’s the rub: if Manchester United are serious about challenging again, this may be their moment to make a decisive move. The striker market is brutal, and elite options are rare. Arsenal’s withdrawal is a gift — but only if United have the guts (and the cash) to take it. All eyes are now on the Old Trafford boardroom: will they pull the trigger before someone else circles back?
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