Manchester United have reportedly been told Viktor Gyokeres will not be joining them from Sporting this summer – leaving Arsenal in the driving seat.
Ruben Amorim had been targeting a reunion with his former striker in his bid to rebuild his United side after they stuttered to a 15th-placed finish in the Premier League and lost the Europa League final to Tottenham.
But Amorim has now been informed that United are no longer an option for the in-demand Swede, dealing the beleaguered head coach another brutal blow.
According to Portuguese outlet Record, Gyokeres’ snub was relayed through his agent on Friday, forcing United to look elsewhere in a congested market.
United are said to have made several contacts over the past week but after Arsenal saw a reported bid rebuffed, Gyokeres’ interest in moving to Old Trafford faded.
The Red Devils are unable to offer European football next season and while some targets, including new man Matheus Cunha and Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, have not been perturbed, Gyokeres has become the latest to turn them down.
Manchester United have been informed of Viktor Gyokeres’ decision over their interest
Ruben Amorim had hoped to reunite with the prolific Sporting striker at Old Trafford
But Gyokeres will not be joining United, leaving Arsenal as the favourites to sign him
Arsenal are now the firm favourites to sign the frontman, who scored an incredible 54 goals in 52 appearances for Sporting last season, and a new bid is expected shortly.
Andrea Berta, Arsenal’s new sporting director, is reported to have met with Sporting officials to discuss a deal for Gyokeres but the initial approach was rejected.
In an explosive row, Gyokeres was accused of ‘blackmail’ by Sporting after allegedly threatening to go on strike in a desperate attempt to force through a sale.
His representatives accused the club of breaking promises which would have allowed him to leave for around £60million, but Sporting president Frederico Varandas dismissed the claim and accused the player’s agent of ‘making the situation worse’.
The 27-year-old has a release clause worth £84m but will be able to leave for less.
Gyokeres broke his silence by posting a cryptic message on social media.
He wrote on Instagram: ‘There is a lot of talks at the moment, most of it false. I will speak when the time is right.’
Varandas has not taken to the threats kindly and said he will not be held to ransom.
Gyokeres has threatened to never play for Sporting again over an alleged broken promise
Gyokeres’ agent, Hasan Cetinkaya (centre), has been accused of ‘making the situation worse’
Arsenal look in pole position to sign the frontman but an initial approach was turned down
‘One thing you should already know is me better,’ Varandes said, per Record. ‘Threats, blackmail and insults don’t work with me.
‘I can guarantee that Viktor Gyokeres will not leave for €60m + 10m (£51m + £8.5m) because I never promised him that.
‘This game that the agent is playing only makes the situation worse. To this day, Sporting has not had an offer for Viktor Gyokeres, neither today nor last season.’
Gyokeres has removed any reference to Sporting on his Instagram account, having also got rid of any mention of Sweden and Nike.
The reported snub may see United turn their attention to Victor Osimhen, despite his exorbitant wage demands, and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike.
They have also been linked with Jean-Philippe Mateta and Jonathan David.
