Viktor Gyokeres has told Ruben Amorim that he will consider a transfer to Manchester United ahead of Arsenal but only if they secure Champions League football for next season.
Gyokeres is one of the leading names on Arsenal’s striker shortlist ahead of the summer transfer window but Mikel Arteta’s side will face competition from United, who are also keen to recruit a new forward.
The Sweden international has been one of the most prolific strikers in Europe this season with 52 goals in 49 appearances for Sporting CP.
Gyokeres has a €100 million (£84.7m) release clause in his deal with Sporting but it’s understood that the Portuguese club would accept between €75m and €85m (£63.5m and £72m) for the 26-year-old.
The Telegraph reports that Arsenal’s sporting director, Andrea Berta, favours a move for Gyokeres ahead of RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko this summer.
Get personalised updates on Manchester United every day
Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro’s Football Newsletter.
Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link so we can send you football news tailored to you.
The report adds that Gyokeres’ preference would be to join Arsenal and although he has spoken to Amorim, he will only consider United if they are playing in next season’s Champions League.
As it stands, Amorim would need to guide United to victory in the Europa League final on May 21 to secure a place in the Champions League next term.
Arsenal, meanwhile, saw their hopes of winning the Champions League end on Wednesday night following their defeat to Paris Saint-Germain but they still sit second in the Premier League and four points clear of fifth-placed Chelsea with three games remaining.
Speaking last month, Sporting head coach, Rui Borges, acknowledged that this could be Gyokeres’ final campaign with the Portuguese side.
‘Viktor is a player… I think there are no words, it is unlikely that another player of his quality will emerge in our league over the next few years,’ Borges said.
‘He is clearly above average. Sporting recognised his talent, and here we are.
‘Fortunately, we have him at Sporting. We must make the most of the time we have with him because he is truly exceptional.
‘I have said this before, and I will continue to say it – he brings a lot to the team, and his teammates are aware of what he contributes, which is why they look for him during games.’
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.