Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Arsenal’s interest in Viktor Gyokeres is “not developing” in a key update that not only enhances the Gunners’ prospects of landing a big-money alternative, but also increases the chances of the powerful Sporting CP star moving to Old Trafford.
The summer transfer window is expected to heavily feature several big-name strikers being on the move. While Chelsea have already got their own in the bag in Liam Delap, the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United are all expected to strengthen their forward options this summer.
With top-quality options few and far between, a lot of clubs find themselves scrambling to sign similar targets – and that can certainly be said of Gyokeres, who has found himself strongly linked with both the Gunners and Manchester United this summer.
Indeed, recent reports have revealed that the free-scoring Swede, who boasts a formidable record of 54 goals in 52 appearances this season, is open to the move to Old Trafford despite the lack of Champions League football on offer.
However, while Arsenal have explored the possibility of his signing, Romano has now revealed that the Gunners do not intend to step up that interest – instead putting all their eggs into the capture of Benjamin Sesko instead.
The Slovenian striker, who has struck an 39 goals in 87 appearances across his two years with RB Leipzig, can leave the Red Bull Arena for a fee of around €80m (£67.3m, $90.8m) this summer owing to a clause in his contract.
Now Romano, speaking on his YouTube channel, says the Gunners are going all in on the powerful 22-year-old.
“It’s important to say that at the moment, the other situation on the Arsenal side, Viktor Gyokeres, the other name in the list of Arsenal, at the moment, the situation is not developing,” Romano stated, before adding: “Arsenal are focused on Benjamin Sesko, discussing and advancing for Benjamin Sesko… for Viktor Gyokeres, I’m not aware of an official bid from Arsenal or any sort of agreement.
With Arsenal pursuing a move for Sesko, United will effectively be left as sole suitors for Gyokeres, whom Sporting CP have a gentlemen’s agreement to let leave this summer for a sum less than his exit clause.
And while United may need to offload players first to finance a deal, more so given their next priority remains on finalising a deal for Bryan Mbeumo, Ruben Amorim could be gifted an entirely new-look forward line next season
