'Can't think him enough' - Viktor Gyokeres has huge praise for Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim as Sporting striker closes in on move to Arsenal

Under Amorim’s leadership, Gyokeres blossomed into one of Europe’s most lethal forwards, scoring 97 goals across two seasons and helping Sporting to back-to-back league titles, an achievement the club hadn’t celebrated in 71 years. With Amorim now at the helm at Old Trafford, there was early speculation that he might attempt to reunite with his former star striker in Manchester. However, Gyokeres’ representatives quickly made it clear that the player’s heart was set on Arsenal.

The desire to play Champions League football was said to be a key factor in Gyokeres’ decision to turn down a potential reunion with Amorim. The Red Devils finished a dismal 15th in the Premier League standings and also lost to Tottenham in the Europa League final, which effectively sealed their fate away from top-flight European football.

Speaking to L’Equipe, Gyokeres said: "We won two championships in a row, for the first time in 71 years. It’s an incredible achievement, and of course, Ruben Amorim played a big role in that. I can’t thank him enough. The style of play we had under his orders suited me perfectly.”

However, he was surprised by Amorim’s decision to leave Sporting mid-season to take the reins at United.

“It was a shock," he admitted. "It’s never happened to me to see a manager leave in the middle of the season when everything was going well. It was surprising, but I totally understand his decision.”

Talks between Arsenal and Sporting have been progressing steadily, with the Gunners confident of landing their primary attacking target. Gyokeres, keen to push the move over the line, has reportedly refused to report back to Lisbon for pre-season training. He has also offered to waive €2 million (£1.7m/$2.3m) from his salary to help facilitate the switch, a gesture that underscores his determination to don the red and white jersey.

If all goes according to plan, Gyokeres will join Arsenal in time for their pre-season tour of Asia, where they are set to face AC Milan, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur. The striker will no doubt have one particular fixture circled on his calendar - a mouthwatering Premier League debut against Amorim’s Manchester United at Old Trafford on August 17. It’s a poetic twist that the player could face the man who launched his rise in his very first match in English top-flight football.