Manchester United Lose Ground in Gyökeres Chase as Arsenal Close in – Eze Approves Move, Mbeumo Deal CancelledManchester United’s hopes of signing Viktor Gyökeres have taken a significant blow, as multiple sources now report that the striker is nearing a move to Arsenal, not Old Trafford.Despite United’s long-term interest and the strong relationship between Gyökeres and manager Rúben Amorim, it is the Gunners who are now in pole position to sign the prolific Swedish striker.
According to L’Équipe and journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Gyökeres has agreed to a five-year contract in principle with Arsenal. Talks between the North London club and Sporting CP are now focused on finalizing the transfer fee.
Although Sporting initially insisted on triggering the £85 million release clause, recent updates suggest a fee in the £60–70 million range could be accepted.
However, the Portuguese club remains firm that they will not accept anything below that valuation.This development is a major setback for Manchester United, who had identified Gyökeres as one of their top striker targets following a season plagued by inconsistent finishing.
The Swede scored 97 goals in 102 matches for Sporting and was seen as the ideal solution to United’s goal-scoring issues.
Amorim, who originally brought Gyökeres to Lisbon from Coventry City in 2023, was expected to be a crucial figure in luring the striker to Manchester. However, Arsenal’s more advanced negotiations and long-standing interest appear to have made the difference.With Champions League football, a clearly defined project under Mikel Arteta, and greater squad stability, Arsenal seem to offer the kind of environment Gyökeres is looking for as he enters his prime years.
If the deal is completed in the coming days, the striker could even make his Premier League debut against Manchester United at Old Trafford, adding a dramatic twist to the saga.
Meanwhile, Manchester United are now exploring alternative options in the striker market. Talks continue with Joshua Zirkzee, and reports suggest a £50 million bid is being prepared for Ademola Lookman. There is also speculation surrounding a potential swap deal involving Rasmus Højlund and Victor Osimhen of Napoli.
In other transfer updates, Eberechi Eze has reportedly given the green light to a move to Manchester United, while the club’s interest in Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo has officially ended, with the deal now considered off the table.
The failure to land Gyökeres also raises questions about Amorim’s pulling power in the transfer market. If he cannot convince a former key player to join him at United, it could reflect the club’s current struggles to compete with top-tier European teams for elite talent — particularly those with Champions League credentials like Arsenal.