Arsenal and Man Utd's Pursuit of Gyokeres Hits Turning Point as Striker's Preference Emerges
Viktor Gyökeres has rejected offers from Manchester United as he shows preference for joining Arsenal.
Manchester United and Gyökeres's previous manager at Sporting Lisbon, Ruben Amorim, were pursuing the Swedish forward this summer, but it appears their chances of acquiring him have significantly diminished. While still maintaining hope for signing Gyökeres, the Swedish striker favors a transfer to Arsenal, according to The Times.
Fabrizio Romano additionally stated that this is Gyökeres's 'priority.' This creates an unexpected development in Arsenal's striker recruitment plans given their reported interest in RB Leipzig's Benjamin Šeško.
Choosing between Gyökeres and Šeško will likely present a challenge for Arsenal, Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta. The Arsenal boss has shown long-standing interest in the Slovenian forward, but Gyökeres's statistics are difficult to overlook. The financial aspects also play a significant role.
Gyökeres was reportedly available for approximately £60 million ($81.3 million), but his contract includes a nearly £85 million release clause that Sporting might use to increase his valuation. Leipzig are demanding at least £70 million ($94.9 million) for their 22-year-old talent. No official bids for either player have been submitted yet as Arsenal carefully considers their options.
The Swedish forward netted 39 goals in Liga Portugal this season alone, with an additional six in the Champions League. He also contributed seven assists. In the previous Portuguese season, he scored 29 goals and provided 10 assists across 33 matches. These remarkable statistics alone provide compelling reasons for many to encourage Arsenal to pursue Gyökeres.
The Gunners faced significant scoring difficulties this past season as their Premier League goal count dropped from 91 to 69. Multiple injuries to key forwards were a major factor, but the common argument since Erling Haaland's arrival is that Arsenal won't secure major trophies until they acquire a prolific goal-scorer.
Šeško is five years younger than Gyökeres which could influence Arsenal's future planning. Additionally, the two strikers have completely different playing styles. The Slovenian stands 6'5'' with excellent link-up abilities and is proficient with both feet, though his statistics don't compare to the Swede's. His aerial prowess also complements Arsenal's strength in set pieces.
Gyökeres is more of a powerful striker who can build momentum after receiving the ball. This is an element currently missing from Arsenal's playing style. They are among the most methodical teams in the league that can only truly penetrate defenses when Gabriel Martinelli is playing.
Whichever striker Arsenal signs, immediate impact will be expected. Despite playing in a league considered less competitive than the Bundesliga on paper, Gyökeres's age and proven record might influence Arsenal's decision, especially after the Swede expressed his preference. If Arsenal opts for Šeško, Manchester United might have another opportunity to pursue their target.