Man Utd 'hopeful' of beating Arsenal to Viktor Gyokeres as 'good relationship with Sporting CP' already established in transfer fight

The Red Devils are aware of the need to freshen up their ranks after enduring more inconsistency in 2024-25 under Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim. Their current head coach has previously worked with prolific frontman Gyokeres in Lisbon.

United cannot afford to finance a deal in January, but funds could be raised in the next window that allow further additions to be made. Sporting would prefer to wait until the summer anyway, with Gyokeres taking his tally of goals for them to 75 through 80 appearances.

Arsenal have also been linked with the Sweden international, after admissions from Mikel Arteta that he is in the market for more firepower. The Gunners are also mulling over moves for RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko and Brighton frontman Evan Ferguson.

According to The Independent, United are confident that they can fend off any rival interest in Gyokeres from Arsenal. That is because they have a good working relationship with Sporting and the 26-year-old would like to work with Amorim again.

Gyokeres has previously spent time in British football on the books at Brighton, Swansea and Coventry, with a move to Portugal being made in 2023. His stock has soared from there, with the release clause in his current contract said to stand at €100 million (£84m/$103m).