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Manchester United 'join Arsenal, Chelsea in race for prolific Sporting Lisbon striker'

By Carter White | 16 April 2024

Man United 'join Arsenal, Chelsea in race for prolific Sporting striker'

Manchester United are reportedly in the race to sign Sporting Lisbon's Viktor Gyokeres, with Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea also keen on the Sweden international.

Manchester United have reportedly joined Arsenal and Chelsea in the race for Sporting Lisbon's Viktor Gyokeres this summer.

The 25-year-old secured a high-profile switch from Championship outfit Coventry City to the Primeira Liga giants ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.

Gyokeres bagged 21 goals in 49 second-tier appearances for the Sky Blues last term, with Mark Robins's men failing to achieve promotion to the Premier League after losing their Wembley playoff final to Luton Town.

Hitting his stride almost instantly in Portugal, the towering attacker has found the net on 22 occasions in 27 league matches for Sporting so far, meaning that he leads the Primeira Liga's Golden Boot race.

The striker is also becoming an increasingly-important member of his national side, featuring 20 times for Sweden since his first call-up to the senior squad in December 2018.

Sporting Lisbon's Viktor Gyokeres celebrates scoring their first goal on March 10, 2024 © Reuters

Man Utd join Arsenal, Chelsea in Gyokeres hunt

According to HITC, Man United have entered the race with a host of other Premier League sides for the services of Sporting's Gyokeres this summer.

The report claims that the Red Devils have been impressed by the striker's performances in Portugal this campaign and are ready pursue the 25-year-old.

It is understood that Erik ten Hag's side are looking for attacking reinforcements ahead of the 2024-25 term in order to support the likes of Rasmus Hojlund and Marcus Rashford.

London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea are also known to be very keen on Gyokeres ahead of the summer trading point, with both the Gunners and the Blues aiming to bolster their respective forward lines.

Since the turn of the calendar year, it is believed that Italian giants AC Milan have been leading the chase for the Swedish marksman, however interest from England in the player is becoming increasingly widespread.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp reacts on March 14, 2024 © Reuters

Liverpool's horse in the Gyokeres race?

On top of Arsenal and Chelsea, Man United could face competition from arch rivals Liverpool for the signature of Sporting's Gyokeres over the summer.

Current Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim is favourite to succeed the departing Jurgen Klopp at Anfield, and it is understood that the Portuguese boss wants to bring a number of his star men from Estadio Jose Alvalade along for the Merseyside ride.

One of those players is believed to be Gyokeres, who has experience in the English game from spells at Brighton & Hove Albion, Swansea City and Coventry.

The agent of the striker has recently admitted that his client's future at Sporting is dependent on whether Amorim remains at the club next season.

Although they are not thought to be actively chasing a deal, Newcastle United are said to be keen admirers of Gyokeres alongside a number of their Premier League rivals.