The future of Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres has sparked major speculation since former Sporting boss Ruben Amorim took over at Manchester United.
United have struggled to find the net this season, both under Amorim and his predecessor Erik ten Hag, making a new striker a top priority for the summer transfer window.
Gyökeres was in exceptional form in Portugal when Amorim left for United, naturally linking the two due to the club’s ongoing attacking woes during a poor Premier League campaign.
The 26-year-old ex-Coventry star is reportedly open to returning to England. He would be an obvious target for United, but Arsenal are also strongly interested.
While reuniting with Amorim could be a draw for Gyökeres, it won’t be the deciding factor in his choice at the end of the 2024–25 season.
According to European transfer insider Christopher Michel, one key condition could complicate United’s pursuit of their top striker target.
“Viktor Gyökeres will be a major name on the transfer market this summer!” Michel posted on X (formerly Twitter). “But he wants to play in the Champions League. Arsenal and Chelsea are very interested, and United are monitoring him closely. Amorim helped develop him.”
With United currently struggling in the Premier League, qualifying for the Champions League remains a challenge.
Michel says their best chance is to win the Europa League—a possibility still alive after their dramatic comeback against Lyon in the quarter-finals.
Next, they face Athletic Club in the semi-finals, with the final potentially pitting them against either Tottenham or Bodo/Glimt.
If United triumph, Gyökeres may seriously consider a move. But for now, it’s clear that he holds the upper hand in negotiations—top strikers are in high demand, and United and Arsenal are just two of many suitors.