Sports Press Photo

Arsenal pause move for Manchester United target; will the Red Devils take advantage?

Originally posted on We All Follow United
By Rohit Sarkar | Last updated Jun 17, 2025 9:33 AM ET

Arsenal have put their interest in Manchester United target Viktor Gyokeres on hold

The summer transfer saga has taken another twist, with Arsenal pulling back from their pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres and shifting focus to Benjamin Sesko. This unexpected pivot has left the door wide open for Manchester United, who are still closely monitoring the Swedish forward’s situation. The developments have set up a fascinating showdown between two Premier League heavyweights, each with its own agenda, but now seemingly navigating around each other’s choices.

According to Record, Arsenal’s hesitation stems from Sporting CP’s firm stance on Gyokeres’ price tag. The €80 million demand, coupled with rising tensions between Sporting president Frederico Varandas and the striker’s agent, Hasan Cetinkaya, has complicated negotiations. For the Gunners, that figure is simply too high, prompting them to redirect their resources toward Sesko, a younger, more long-term investment.

Meanwhile, Manchester United remain quietly present in the background. No formal offer has been submitted yet, but the club’s need for a clinical No. 9 persists. Ruben Amorim is said to rate Gyokeres highly, particularly for his physicality, work rate, and goal-scoring prowess, which earned him the Golden Boot in Portugal. With Arsenal stepping aside, United may now see this as their moment to make a decisive move, if they believe Gyokeres is the right striker to lead their line into the next era.

Sporting’s €80 million valuation is steep, but not unreasonable in today’s inflated market. United have previously paid more for players who brought far less to the table. In contrast, Gyokeres has proven his worth with consistency, physical dominance, and an aggressive, goal-hungry playing style that seems tailor-made for English football. He not only led the scoring charts in the Primeira Liga but also showcased his ability to carry a frontline and influence big games.

Critics may point to his lack of experience in Europe’s top five leagues, but the gap between Portugal and the Premier League is no longer as wide as it once was. Players like Bruno Fernandes and Luis Díaz made the transition seamlessly and Gyokeres has the tools to do the same. If United are serious about backing Amorim with the right attacking profile, this is the kind of bold but calculated risk that could redefine their frontline.

If Amorim and his staff believe Gyokeres is the right fit, this is the moment to act. The €80 million fee is high, yes, but it’s not reckless if the return is goals and influence from day one. And if the preference is Sesko, then United must be prepared to fight, not wait, for him. The worst outcome is inaction. Because while United weigh their options, Arsenal, or another ambitious club could sign their next star.

This article first appeared on We All Follow United and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: