Manchester United are actively working to bring in a striker this summer as Ruben Amorim rebuilds the squad around a new attacking core.
Despite the club’s long-standing interest in several prolific forwards, deals have been difficult to finalise amid financial limitations and UEFA squad registration constraints.
United remain in talks with various agents and clubs across Europe, but no new forward has yet been secured, and the longer the wait continues, the fewer top-tier options remain available.
While focus shifts to trimming the squad and moving on fringe players, recruitment staff have been blindsided by a Premier League rival’s swift actions in the market.
Now, United may have to remove another name from their striker shortlist.
Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal is a done deal, with a verbal agreement now in place, as per Fabrizio Romano via X.
Sporting have accepted a €63.5 million (£54.8 million) bid plus €10 million (£8.6 million) in add-ons.
The striker will sign a five-year contract with the Gunners.
Viktor Gyokeres, who had eyes only for a Premier League move, rejected interest from elsewhere—including United—after Arsenal made their intent clear.
Reports previously suggested Manchester United were nearing an agreement for Gyokeres, but that possibility now appears to be completely off the table.
His desire to join Mikel Arteta’s side was so strong that his agent reportedly waived commission fees to get the deal done.
The 27-year-old, who netted 54 goals in 52 appearances last season for Sporting, has become one of Europe’s most coveted forwards.
He had been on United’s radar since his Coventry City days, having previously played in England for Brighton.
His move to Sporting for £17 million in 2023 saw him explode onto the European scene, delivering 97 goals and 28 assists while guiding the Portuguese side to back-to-back league titles.
United scouts had been monitoring his progress for months, but it appears Arsenal’s quick negotiations have now ended any Old Trafford hopes.
With Gyokeres lost to a rival, Amorim must now turn to alternative targets as United aim to land a new No. 9 before the season kicks off.
🚨❤️🤍 BREAKING: Viktor Gyökeres to Arsenal, here we go! Verbal agreement in place between all parties involved.
Sporting accept last bid from Arsenal for €63.5m plus €10m, agent will reduce his commission.
Gyökeres will sign five year deal at #AFC. He ONLY wanted Arsenal. 🇸🇪 pic.twitter.com/qAmrTn7Eax
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 22, 2025
