Arsenal face fresh Viktor Gyokeres transfer twist as Man Utd decision threatens Mikel Arteta plan

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There is plenty of speculation surrounding the future of Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres ahead of the January transfer window. 

It is unsurprising that there is such intense transfer interest in Viktor Gyokeres. The Swedish forward is one of the most prolific goalscorers in European football, after all.

Arsenal have been linked with Gyokeres for some time, and he would certainly represent an exciting arrival at the Emirates Stadium. 

However, Mikel Arteta is not the favourite win the race for the Sporting CP star’s signature.

• READ MORE: Every player linked to and from Arsenal in the summer 2024 transfer window

Manchester United send scout to watch Viktor Gyokeres

Gyokeres has stated that he won’t move in January, and wishes to see out this season with the Portuguese outfit. Straight away, this means that the Gunners stand little chance of striking a deal for his services this winter. 

However, the 26-year-old’s comments have not deterred Manchester United, or their new manager Ruben Anorim.

Anorim knows Gyokeres well, having previously been in charge of Sporting, prior to his recent appointment at Old Trafford. His connection with the player could help to convince the forward to make a move sooner than planned.

As reported by The Sun, the Red Devils recently dispatched a scout to watch Gyokeres in action. He scored for his country against Slovakia on Saturday, in front of the Manchester United talent spotter.

The North West outfit will consider themselves in pole position to sign Gyokres at this point, and may well be plotting to launch a bid for his services in January.

Can Mikel Arteta bring Gyokeres to Arsenal?

Arsenal have been told to sign a striker, and the Gunners would be wise to make Gyokeres their top target in this regard. 

That being said, Arteta is now on the back foot in the battle to get a deal for the former Coventry City star done. 

However, there are levers that the Spanish coach could pull in an attempt to sway Gyokeres towards a switch to the Emirates Stadium over Old Trafford.

For a start, Arsenal have proven themselves serious Premier League title contenders in recent seasons, whilst Manchester United have failed to compete at the top end of the table. Gyokeres would likely stand a better chance of landing a Premier League crown sooner rather than later were he to join Arsenal.

On top of that, if Gyokeres were to join Arsenal this winter, he would be able to compete in the Champions League in the second half of this season. Manchester United are not in Europe’s elite club competition this time around. 

However, Anorim’s existing relationship with Gyokeres could yet trump any of these cards that Arsenal hold. Manchester United are also being more active than the North Londoners in their pursuit of the player.