Arsenal have jumped ahead of Manchester United in the race to sign Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, whose growing chances of leaving the Portuguese giants this summer have been reported in Portugal.
The 26-year-old has emerged as a world class talent – scoring an incredible 80 goals in 89 appearances over the last two seasons. His scoring form has made him one of Europe’s most in-demand strikers, and Arsenal in particular is eager to bolster its forward line.
The Swedish striker has been heavily associated with Manchester United for some time now, particularly since Ruben Amorim became manager at Old Trafford, but Portuguese publication Record suggests Gyokeres has now “signalled his desire” to depart Sporting which makes his exit extremely probable.
Gyokeres is also understood to only want to join a club who can guarantee him Champions League football next term, according to O Jogo. That could work in Arsenal’s favor as Mikel Arteta’s club is sitting second in the Premier League, while United find themselves in 14th, distant from the top-five finish that was predicted to secure UCL qualification.
A Europa League victory would enhance United’s appeal, but going by the current state of play, Arsenal looks to be in pole position to sign one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers.
