Ruben Amorim has made it clear that Manchester United will not overpay for signings this summer, no matter how highly-rated the target is.
The Portuguese boss continues to shape his squad with smart, strategic moves rather than headline-chasing transfers.
Amorim’s insistence on balance and tactical fit has become the club’s new mantra during this crucial rebuilding phase.
United’s attack remains an area under close scrutiny following an inconsistent 2024/25 season, and a new striker is still on the club’s radar.
With pre-season ongoing and the transfer window heating up, the race for Europe’s most clinical forwards is reaching boiling point.
But while Manchester United had monitored Viktor Gyokeres, they were not among the final contenders for his signature.
The 27-year-old Swedish striker has officially agreed terms with Arsenal in a mega-money deal that sees him make the switch from Sporting CP, as per The Athletic.
The Gunners will pay an upfront fee of €63.5 million (£54.8m) along with €10 million in add-ons, securing the services of one of Europe’s most prolific goal scorers.
Viktor Gyokeres, who netted a staggering 54 goals in 52 games for Sporting last season, was Arsenal’s top striker target following injury setbacks to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.
The striker had eyes only for the North London club, ignoring late interest from other teams as he prepares to wear the iconic No. 14 shirt once worn by Thierry Henry.
The player’s desire to push the deal through was so strong that his agent even waived his commission to ease the negotiations.
Sporting have granted him permission to travel, and he is scheduled to undergo his medical with Arsenal this Saturday before signing a five-year contract.
Gyokeres has scored 97 goals and contributed 28 assists since arriving at Sporting in 2023, helping them to back-to-back league titles and a Taca de Portugal triumph.
The striker’s rapid rise from Coventry City to top European clubs is a testament to his development, having joined the English Championship side for around £1m from Brighton in 2021.
With Gyokeres off the market, Manchester United may now pivot to alternative options, but the missed opportunity will sting given his extraordinary goal return.
