Manchester United will pounce on top target if Arsenal fail

Viktor Gyökeres has been one of the most coveted strikers of the 2024 summer transfer window, and if Arsenal somehow miss out on their man, Manchester United are ready to pounce. According to Give Me Sport’s Ben Jacobs, speaking on The United Stand, the prolific Swedish striker remains open to joining United—even without Champions League football on offer.

That’s a major revelation, especially considering Gyökeres’ caliber and current trajectory. The Sporting CP striker was electric last season, scoring nearly 40 goals across all competitions and solidifying himself as one of the most complete No. 9s in Europe. Strong, explosive, and intelligent with his movement, Gyökeres is a manager’s dream—and a pressing machine who thrives in transition-heavy systems.

Arsenal surged ahead, but United are lurking

United were once the favorites for Gyökeres. Before Arsenal quickly pivoted from RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško—who signed a new deal with the Bundesliga club—the Red Devils had been circling. The move made sense. Erik ten Hag is out, Rúben Amorim is in, and with him, there’s a deep Sporting CP connection that could have made the transition seamless.

But when Arsenal entered the fray, they accelerated negotiations, eager to solve their long-standing striker problem. For Mikel Arteta’s side, signing a clinical finisher like Gyökeres could be the difference between finishing second again or finally reclaiming the Premier League title.

Still, Gyökeres hasn’t signed yet, and that keeps the door open for United. Jacobs made it clear that while no negotiations are taking place, the player would be open to joining Amorim at Old Trafford if the Arsenal deal collapses.

A world-class fit for a desperate attack

While Arsenal’s need for a striker has been discussed ad nauseam, United’s is arguably even greater. Rasmus Højlund had an inconsistent first season, and United finished 8th, their worst Premier League campaign in nearly a decade. They need goals. They need a reference point. And they need someone who can lead the line with authority.

Gyökeres fits that profile to perfection. He’s also familiar with Amorim’s tactical framework, having starred under him in Portugal. A reunion in Manchester could fast-track the project Amorim is trying to build.

Pairing Gyökeres with Matheus Cunha—who’s arriving from Wolves—and possibly Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, who’s been linked with United in recent weeks, would be a major step forward in rebuilding the attack. All three are versatile, unselfish, and have shown they can contribute goals and assists in tough systems.

Arsenal’s to lose… but United must be ready

Right now, the race is Arsenal’s to lose. They have the Champions League, a settled project, and a young, hungry squad ready to challenge for trophies. But the longer the Gyökeres deal drags, the more likely it becomes that someone else could swoop in.

Manchester United have been burned too many times by waiting. If they want a striker who can score 25-30 goals a season, lead the line, and fit seamlessly into a new tactical system under Amorim, Gyökeres is that guy.

If Arsenal slip—even slightly—United must be ready to strike.