Arsenal & Man Utd Receive Gyökeres Lift as Sporting Slash Price Tag

 

ARSENAL & MAN UTD GET VIKTOR GYOKERES BOOST AS SPORTING CP SLASH PRICE – BUT SAUDI PRO LEAGUE CLUB READY TO OUTBID PREMIER LEAGUE RIVALS FOR SWEDEN STAR

In a significant twist to the Viktor Gyökeres transfer saga, Sporting CP have reduced their asking price for the Swedish striker to €80m (£68m), handing Arsenal and Manchester United a major opportunity. However, a Saudi Pro League club is now prepared to outbid both Premier League giants with a €100m (£85m) offer, setting up a fierce three-way battle.

💰 Sporting’s New Asking Price: €80m (£68m)

Original Clause: €100m (£85m) – now flexible due to financial pressures.

Arsenal’s Advantage: Can structure deal with €60m upfront + €20m add-ons.

Man Utd’s Edge: May include players in swap (e.g., Antony or McTominay).

🇸🇦 Saudi Wildcard: Ready to Pay €100m (£85m)

Mystery Club (likely Al-Hilal or Al-Ittihad) willing to blow rivals away with a full clause bid.

Wage Offer: £400k+/week – quadruple what Arsenal/United can pay.

Gyökeres’ Stance: Prefers Europe but won’t rule out Saudi move.

⚽ Why Arsenal & United Want Him

Arsenal: Need a Havertz upgrade (Gyökeres has 43 G/A this season).

Man Utd: Seek a clinical No. 9 to replace Martial/Højlund.

Tactical Fit:

Physicality (6’2″, wins 5.1 duels/game)

Pressing (1.5 tackles/90 – elite for a striker)

Goal Threat (27 non-penalty goals in 23/24)

🔄 Sporting’s Plan B

Replacement Shortlist:

Jonathan David (Lille, €40m)

Santiago Giménez (Feyenoord, €50m)

Artem Dovbyk (Girona, €30m)

📅 What’s Next?

Post-Euro Bids: Gyökeres will lead Sweden’s attack (June 14-25).

Arsenal’s Priority: Still prefer Isak but see Gyökeres as cheaper alternative.

Saudi Deadline: Offer must come before July 15 (pre-season starts).

🎯 Key Takeaways

🔹 Price Drop: Sporting’s €80m ask opens door for Prem clubs.

🔹 Saudi Threat: Can outbid but lacks sporting appeal.

🔹 Decision Time: Gyökeres must choose between legacy (Arsenal/United) or wealth (Saudi).