Swedish forward Viktor Gyökeres is reportedly eyeing a move to Manchester United, even as Arsenal and Chelsea express strong interest in signing him. The striker, who is currently shining at Sporting Lisbon, has caught the attention of several top clubs following an extraordinary run of form. Since joining the Portuguese club, Gyökeres has scored an impressive 43 goals in 50 matches during his first season and is already surpassing expectations in the current campaign, with 24 goals in just 19 games.
The 26-year-old’s meteoric rise is notable, as he was playing for Coventry City in the Championship less than 18 months ago. This season, Gyökeres has already achieved three hat-tricks, including one in the Champions League against Manchester City, further solidifying his reputation as one of Europe’s most clinical finishers.
Manchester United have been monitoring Gyökeres for months, with speculation intensifying after Ruben Amorim, his former manager at Sporting Lisbon, took over at Old Trafford. United’s lack of goals this season has been a concern, with Marcus Rashford filling in as a striker during Amorim’s first match in charge, ahead of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee. Gyökeres is seen as a potential solution to their attacking woes.
Arsenal, dealing with their own struggles in attack, have also been exploring options, having pursued strikers like Alexander Isak of Newcastle last summer. Meanwhile, Chelsea had attempted to sign Victor Osimhen before a deadline day deal fell through. Despite these clubs’ interest, Gyökeres reportedly favors a move to Manchester United, as reported by *The Sun*. He is believed to view a reunion with Amorim in the Premier League as the ideal next step in his career, even though Arsenal and Chelsea currently sit higher in the table. His release clause, set at £65 million, is expected to attract bids in the January transfer window.
Gyökeres has been instrumental in Sporting Lisbon’s success, helping them clinch the Primeira Liga title last season. The team is currently leading the Portuguese league by six points and is in contention to progress in the Champions League, sitting second in their group.
Former Premier League defender William Gallas has praised Gyökeres but is skeptical about Arsenal’s chances of signing him, suggesting the striker will prioritize joining United under Amorim. Similarly, ex-manager Tim Sherwood has described Gyökeres as a crucial target for Manchester United, citing his experience in English football and his exceptional performances in Portugal. Sherwood believes Gyökeres would address United’s lack of depth up front and significantly enhance their attacking options, despite his substantial buyout clause.
