What's happening with Manchester United and Arsenal target Viktor Gyokeres?

What is threatening to turn into one of the summer's longest-running transfer sagas, Viktor Gyokeres's potential move to the Premier League has taken another turn.

It was clear for all to see that Arsenal would need to sign a new striker in the summer, and after two remarkable seasons in Portugal with a reported agreement in place that would let the Swede leave for £55m, a deal looked to be on the cards.

After seemingly switching lanes and priotitising RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko, the door looked to be open for Manchester United to sign Gyokeres.

On Sunday, however, reports emerged from several journalists that an agreement had been reached between Arsenal and Gyokeres, with only a fee left to settle between the two clubs.

Reports suggested that Gyokeres had a gentlemen's agreement in place with the club to leave for significantly less than his £85m release clause as a thank you for staying in Portugal in January with a move to the Premier League likely.

Sporting CP president Frederico Varandas said: "Threats and blackmail don't work with me. One thing I can guarantee: Viktor Gyökeres does not leave for €60m + €10m. I never promised. With this game that the agent is playing, the situation only worsens."

Despite this update, Varandas also admitted the club won't demand the full €100m release clause, acknowledging it is an unrealistic fee for a 27-year-old player in the Primeira Liga.

But Gyokeres's intentions appear clear and it will likely be a matter of time before a deal is completed.

The news is a significant blow for the Red Devils who desperately need a new centre forward, and they will likely have to turn their attentions elsewhere.

United had gone odds-on for Gyokeres earlier in the transfer window, but betting has now been suspended on a move to Arsenal.

Liam Williams

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