Arsenal would have the clear transfer edge over Manchester United when it comes to the race to sign Viktor Gyokeres, according to former Gunner Emmanuel Petit.

Both Premier League giants have been heavily linked with a high-profile move for the prolific Sporting CP striker over recent weeks, along with a whole host of other rumoured heavyweight suitors including Chelsea, Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Arsenal are expected to be on the lookout for a splashy new No9 addition either in January or next summer with Gabriel Jesus struggling to replace Kai Havertz as their leading frontman, while United are also in need of more firepower and recently appointed Sporting boss Ruben Amorim as Erik ten Hag’s managerial successor.

The presence of Amorim in the Old Trafford dugout may lead many to believe that United could yet be in the lead in terms of the battle for Gyokeres, who has quickly gone from strength to strength since his £20million move from Coventry to Portugal in the summer of 2023 and on Thursday night made it an incredible 60 goals for the calendar year across all competitions so far by netting an early penalty against Moreirense in the Primeira Liga.

However, ex-Arsenal midfielder Petit believes that his former club would easily come out on top if it were a straight choice between the old rivals for the Swedish international, who has an £83m release clause in his current contract at the Estadio Jose Alvalade but reports claim could be allowed to depart for a lower fee of around £63m.

“Why would Gyokeres look at both situations at Arsenal and Man United and choose to join United? I know his former manager is there, but there’s nothing much going for United as they already have [Rasmus] Hoijlund, [Joshua] Zirkzee and [Marcus] Rashford in that position,” the Frenchman told Gambling Zone.

“Arsenal is a much more attractive proposition for him, especially as Havertz does not seem like an out-and-out number nine and Gabriel Jesus isn’t really performing.

“Gyokeres should really consider Arsenal as I think he could be the final missing piece of the jigsaw for Mikel Arteta. I love the way he plays far away from goal and his hold-up play, it’s something he could really add to Arsenal.”

In addition to Gyokeres, World Cup winner Petit went on to name Real Madrid duo Arda Guler and Brahim Diaz as potentially ideal future signings for Arsenal.

“It’s always good to get players from the biggest clubs in the world and I think Arsenal should take a punt on Arda Guler,” he said.

“He looks like a talented kid and he could play for any side in Europe, but I also like Brahim Diaz, who used to play for AC Milan and Man City. He’s quality. Maybe there’s a small chance to get these kinds of players.”