Manchester United have gone about their summer transfer business in an extremely slow pace so far. They got off the blocks running with the signing of Matheus Cunha from Wolves to reinforce the attack but since then, it has been slim pickings.
The Red Devils clearly need a striker reinforcement in the squad, with Rasmus Hojlund’s inconsistency costing the club for the past couple of seasons. Ruben Amorim needs a number nine who can consistently score goals and be a dependable attacking outlet.
One player whose name has been doing the rounds is Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres. As per Manchester Evening News, Manchester United are ready to meet Sporting CP’s valuation of £69m for the 27-year-old striker.
Incidentally, Arsenal are the club who have been the frontrunners for his signature. The Gunners have already agreed personal terms with Gyokeres who also wants to continue his career under Mikel Arteta but Arsenal are still negotiating with Sporting CP over the transfer fee.
Gyokeres has been one of the very best strikers in Europe over the past couple of seasons. He has 97 goals in 102 matches in his two seasons in Portugal since joining from Coventry City for around £20m including 54 goals in 52 games during the last campaign, including a hattrick against Manchester City.
Time to focus elsewhere?
One reason why Gyokeres and Man Utd have been heavily linked in reference to one another is because of the Ruben Amorim factor. The Portuguese tactician was the man responsible for bringing the best out of the Swedish striker during the time they spent together in Portugal.
However, it feels pretty obvious now that the 27-year-old strives to compete in the Champions League – something that Man Utd cannot offer this summer. Currently, Arsenal continue to lead the race while the Red Devils are just being attentive to the situation. The English club have already identified Moise Kean as the alternative for the number nine role.
If past transfer history has taught us anything, it is that the drama is still not over. Everything depends on Arsenal’s next move, Sporting CP’s flexibility in negotiations and Gyokeres’ patience. Man Utd cannot waste their time waiting for the Swedish number nine though, and it remains to be seen if they start pursuing alternative targets with conviction.