Arsenal put on red alert as Man Utd 'make' first Viktor Gyokeres transfer move

Manchester United have reportedly made their first approach to Sporting ahead of completing a deal for their striker Viktor Gyokeres.

Since arriving in Lisbon from Coventry City, Gyokeres has been ruthless in front of goal bagging a whopping 67 goals in just 71 appearances. In the summer, football.london understands the Swede was among the strikers that Arsenal were observing to strengthen their forward line.

His pace, combined with his physical presence, was exactly what the Gunners recruitment team was looking for. However, with other areas deemed a priority, Arsenal chose not to advance their interest.

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In the meantime, Ruben Amorim, who brought Gyokeres to Lisbon has left Sporting and joined United. This has thrown speculation about Gyokeres' future back into the limelight with the Reds desperate for reinforcements in their forward line.

According to journalist Florian Plettenberg, United have made their first initial approach regarding Gyokeres. It is understood that United are beginning negotiations regarding his purchase coming in the summer.

United would need to sell players first before they could complete a deal for the striker. Meanwhile, Manchester City are also thought to be readying themselves for an approach to with incoming sporting director and current Sporting chief Hugo Viana pushing for his signature.

Arsenal could still grab an advantage over United and City in the pursuit of Gyokeres by making their move in January. Amorim confessed after his appointment at Old Trafford that he would not be pursuing January moves for any of his old Sporting players.

This gentleman's agreement allows the Gunners a brief window to get their deal done. However, it is notoriously difficult these days to complete moves in January due to Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations imposed by the Premier League.