Viktor Gyokeres’ stance on Manchester United move as Arsenal deal in doubt

Manchester United’s summer transfer window, once promising a swift and decisive overhaul, has seemingly ground to a frustrating halt. What began with the early appointments of key figures within the new INEOS sporting structure, hinting at a more efficient approach, has now devolved into a familiar pattern of protracted negotiations and stalled progress. While rivals appear to be securing their primary targets with relative ease, the Old Trafford faithful are left anxiously awaiting significant incomings, with the pursuit of Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres emerging as the latest, and perhaps most telling, saga.

Reports from Portugal suggest that while Viktor Gyokeres remains open to a move to a top Premier League club, his current employers, Sporting CP, are holding firm on their valuation, believed to be close to his significant release clause. This steadfast stance from the Portuguese champions has created a bottleneck for Manchester United, who are navigating stringent Financial Fair Play regulations and are reportedly keen to offload several fringe players before committing to major outlays. United’s perceived reluctance to meet Sporting’s demands, or at least to accelerate negotiations, has left the door ajar for other suitors, though the landscape of the striker market is proving complex for all involved.