Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres is increasingly expected to move on next summer, with Arsenal emerging as one of the favourites to sign the highly sought-after forward, according to multiple reports in Portugal.
Gyokeres has been a regular feature in the transfer gossip columns for months.
His remarkable tally of 80 goals in 89 appearances for Sporting over the past two seasons has cemented the 26-year-old’s reputation as one of the top strikers in world football.
Arsenal, who have long been in need of a prolific forward – an issue that predates their current injury crisis—are among the clubs showing interest in him.
However, they are not alone in their pursuit of Gyokeres.
Manchester United Interested In Gyokeres
Manchester United, relentlessly linked with the mobile center-forward, have had their speculation amplified by the appointment of his former Sporting coach, Ruben Amorim, as manager of the Red Devils this season.
While rival clubs have been vocal about their admiration for Gyokeres, the player himself has kept a low profile.
However, Portuguese outlet Record now reports that the forward has “signalled his desire” to leave Sporting in the summer, with the chances of his departure rated as “huge.”
Another Portuguese publication, A Bola, corroborates this, adding that Gyokeres is determined to join a club that will be competing in next season’s Champions League.
Manchester United find themselves in 14th place in the Premier League, 13 points behind the top five, which is expected to guarantee qualification for next season’s Champions League.
In contrast, Arsenal sit second in the league and are still involved in the knockout stages of this year’s Champions League.
While Amorim’s struggling United could still secure a place in next season’s competition by winning the Europa League, they are currently ranked as fifth-favourites to lift the trophy, behind Lazio, AS Roma, Lyon, and fellow Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur.
Although Arsenal appear to have the upper hand in the race for Gyokeres, Manchester United could bolster their chances by defeating the Gunners when the two teams meet in the Premier League on Sunday.
