Arsenal Swoop for Gyokeres After Striker Rejects Manchester United Offer

Reports from Portugal suggest that while Viktor Gyökeres may be eager to join Arsenal, the London club doesn't share the same level of enthusiasm.

The Swedish goal-scoring sensation finds himself at the center of an intriguing transfer drama. With speculation connecting Gyökeres to numerous clubs across Europe, Arsenal and Manchester United were reportedly at the forefront of interested parties.

The narrative evolved when it was revealed that the 27-year-old striker apparently favors a move to the Gunners, attracted by their Champions League status, rather than joining United. However, any potential transfer remains far from conclusion.

Sporting CP president Frederico Varandas responded firmly to rumors that his prized forward could leave for a discounted fee of £59 million ($80 million), stating emphatically: "Threats, blackmail, insults, they don't work with me."

While Sporting isn't insisting on the full £85 million ($115.6 million) release clause, they are reportedly valuing Gyökeres at approximately £68 million ($92.4 million).

According to A BOLA, after having their initial proposal rejected, Arsenal has submitted a second offer of £59.6 million ($80.9 million). The publication indicates that reaching an agreement at this price point would be "difficult." Another Portuguese source, Record, goes further by claiming that Arsenal has "frozen" talks with Sporting after repeatedly being referred to the £68 million valuation.

A BOLA hasn't completely dismissed the possibility of Gyökeres reuniting with Ruben Amorim at Manchester United. Both the Red Devils and Italian club Juventus might consider resuming negotiations, but only if Arsenal completely withdraws from contention.

Neither Arsenal nor United are exclusively focused on Gyökeres. While the Gunners are also keeping tabs on RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Šeško, Amorim is reportedly considering a move for Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitiké.