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Published November 26, 2024 5:48pm Updated November 26, 2024 5:48pm
Viktor Gyokeres has ‘his heart set’ on a move to Manchester United despite also emerging as a target for Arsenal and Chelsea.
The Sweden international is being linked with some of the biggest clubs in the world following a staggering run of form for Sporting Lisbon.
Gyokeres scored 43 goals in 50 games across his first season at the Portuguese club and looks set to surpass that tally this term, with 24 goals in just 19 appearances.
The 26-year-old, who was playing for Championship side Coventry City less than 18 months ago, has netted three hat-tricks so far this season, including one in the Champions League against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
Manchester United have been linked with a move for Gyokeres for several months and that speculation has only intensified since the striker’s manager left Sporting Lisbon to take over at Old Trafford.
United have looked desperately short of goalscoring options this season and Marcus Rashford played up front in Ruben Amorim’s first game in charge ahead of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.
Arsenal have also had their problems in front of goal this term and were linked with several strikers – including Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak – over the summer.
Isak also emerged as a target for Chelsea, who attempted to bring Victor Osimhen to Stamford Bridge but saw a deal collapse on transfer deadline day.
With a release clause of just £65m, Gyokeres looks set to be the subject of substantial interest ahead of the January transfer window and ‘has his heart set’ on a move to United, according to The Sun.
Gyokeres is keen to join the Premier League and reportedly believes a reunion with Amorim at Manchester would be the best move for his career, even if it means snubbing Arsenal and Chelsea – two clubs currently much higher in the table.
Gyokeres’ heroics helped Sporting Lisbon win the Primeira Liga last season and the club have already opened up a six-point gap at the top of the table, while they are currently second in the new Champions League group phase.
Ex-Premier League defender William Gallas is a huge admirer of Gyokeres but believes his former club Arsenal have ‘no chance’ of securing his signature.
‘Arsenal have no chance of signing Viktor Gyokeres, he will choose Manchester United,’ Gallas told Genting Casino.
‘He will follow Ruben Amorim to United, I think Gyokeres will suit Man United’s team, too.’
Meanwhile, ex-Premier League boss Tim Sherwood has claimed Gyokeres is a ‘must’ for Manchester United, who he says lack ‘firepower’ up top.
‘Viktor Gyokeres, for me, is a must,’ he told Ladbrokes. ‘I mean, he’s a player who knows English football, albeit in the Championship, but he’s been a revelation in Portugal, we’ve seen him ripping it up in the Champions League.
‘And, above everything else, they need a striker, don’t they? When have you ever seen Man United with just one striker? In years gone by they’re had four in one squad!
‘They’ve always had firepower in that area, but at the moment, when I look at it, Joshua Zirkzee is not a striker. He’s not a striker. So that leaves them with one: Rasmus Hojlund.
‘Gyokeres has got a big buyout clause, I think, so they’re not going to be able to get him without getting some names out of the door, but he would massively improve that team, I’ve no doubt about that.’
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