Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres has been a player linked with Manchester United, Arsenal and many other Premier League sides thus far in the summer transfer window.
It’s no secret that Ruben Amorim’s side are looking to invest in some big names this summer. They’ve already acquired Matheus Cunha, while Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo is also hot on the radar for the Red Devils.
However, a centre-forward is a position they duly need, which is why they’ve stepped up their pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres.
Gyokeres is open to joining United this summer, but the deal has hit a snag. The Swedish striker is alleged to be unhappy that Sporting haven’t honoured a gentleman’s agreement made the previous summer to let him depart Portugal.
With Arsenal also showing interest, United are feeling the pressure to act quickly in their pursuit of the 27-year-old.
Man United ready to make £60m Viktor Gyokeres bid
Reports from Portugal suggest the Red Devils are set to capitalise on the unrest of the £60m striker and submit a bid for Gyokeres.
Sporting’s president has acknowledged that Gyokeres is available for transfer, but not under the terms reportedly agreed last summer with the player’s representatives.
According to Portuguese outlet Maisfutebol, Arsenal have already made an initial bid, offering less than €60 million (£51m) for the forward.
The same report states that United are poised to offer €60 million up front, plus an additional €10 million in add-ons – a total package worth €70 million (£60m).
However, both bids fall short of Sporting’s valuation, with the club holding out for closer to a whopping €80 million (£69m).
Man United face ‘obstacles’ with Viktor Gyokeres personal terms
A deal like this is always difficult to traverse. United aren’t just negotiating a transfer fee, they’re also in discussions with Gyokeres over personal terms – which haven’t been straightforward.
With the Swede one of Europe’s most prolific strikers, reports suggest Arsenal are willing to offer the striker £192,000 per week, putting pressure on United to at least match that figure to lure him to Old Trafford.
The same report noted that United have “encountered obstacles” during talks over Gyokeres’ contract demands.
With United operating outside the Champions League and needing to reduce their wage bill – a process that’s already seen Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho offloaded – Ineos face a challenging task to meet Gyokeres’ demands and finalise the deal.
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