Manchester United were close to securing the signing of Viktor Gyokeres in the summer, but ultimately lost out to Arsenal. The Swedish striker had a successful season with Sporting CP, scoring 54 goals and attracting interest from top clubs across Europe. United and Arsenal emerged as the frontrunners in the race for Gyokeres, with Sporting even striking a deal with the Red Devils behind the player’s agent’s back. However, Gyokeres had his heart set on a move to Arsenal, leading to a dramatic turn of events in the transfer saga.
According to Gyokeres’ agent, Sporting had agreed to a deal with Manchester United without consulting them, causing tension in the negotiations. United offered a higher transfer fee for the striker, but Gyokeres was adamant about joining Arsenal. Fabrizio Romano, a renowned transfer insider, confirmed the behind-the-scenes drama, revealing that Sporting pushed hard to sell Gyokeres to United for less money than Arsenal. Despite United’s willingness to finalize the deal, Gyokeres stood firm in his desire to play for Arsenal, causing a delay in the transfer process.
In the end, Gyokeres’ patience paid off as he eventually joined Arsenal, where he has made an impact by scoring three goals in seven games. United, on the other hand, turned their attention to Benjamin Sesko, who has also found the back of the net twice in the Premier League. The summer transfer saga highlighted the complexities of player negotiations and the importance of player preference in finalizing deals. While United missed out on Gyokeres, the striker’s decision to choose Arsenal over them has proven to be a significant factor in the ongoing Premier League season.
