Viktor Gyokeres 'contacts Man Utd with fresh transfer decision' as Arsenal rocked

Viktor Gyokeres has performed a stunning transfer U-turn that leaves Manchester United in pole position for his signature, according to reports. Arsenal were thought to be in the driver's seat to sign the Sporting striker, but the Gunners' pursuit of Benjamin Sesko has potentially prompted him to turn his focus towards their Premier League rivals.

Gyokeres' future in Lisbon has been one of the summer transfer window's biggest sagas so far amid a dispute over his departure. Sporting president Frederico Varandas has accused the 27-year-old's agent of falsely claiming that the club would accept an initial fee as low as £59million as part of a gentleman's agreement.

Varandas also insisted that the Portuguese champions wouldn't consider that fee acceptable after Gyokeres scored 54 goals in 52 games last season.

The situation has grown messy since, with Fabrizio Romano claiming Gyokeres will not return for pre-season training until they find a resolution.

Earlier in June, reports stated that the Sweden international had told United that a move to Arsenal was his priority this summer.

However, Mikel Arteta is believed to have identified RB Leipzig's Sesko as his top striker target, and negotiations over a transfer are ongoing.

According to TEAMtalk, the Gunners' alternative preference has sparked a dramatic U-turn, with Gyokeres now leaning towards United.

It's claimed that Gyokeres has informed the Red Devils that he wants to land at Old Trafford this summer and is ready to snub other interest.

Portuguese outlet Correio da Manha report that Liverpool are also in the frame after initiating contact with Sporting to learn the conditions of a deal.

But Gyokeres is now said to want a reunion with former boss Ruben Amorim, though he would have to remain patient for any concrete approach.

United need to sell players if they are to make any further signings after Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, who look set to cost around £125m.

Marcus Rashford, Antony, Alejandro Garnacho and Jadon Sancho are at the forefront of the shop window as part of an attacking shake-up.

Amorim is keen to offload the quartet and make space for a third attacking signing to form his new-look front three next season.

Gyokeres has scored 97 goals in 102 appearances since joining Sporting from Coventry City, where he netted 43 times in 116 games.

He could be the established goalscorer Amorim craves after a toothless 2024/25 campaign, but player sales will prove crucial.