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By ZAC CAMPBELL
Published: | Updated:
Ruben Amorim‘s handling of a Manchester United star blew any chances the Red Devils had of signing Viktor Gyokeres, according to reports.
Gyokeres, 27, has been linked with a move from Sporting Lisbon for much of the transfer window with Arsenal currently in pole position for his signature.
According to Portuguese outlet Record, Gyokeres was upset with the manner in which Amorim jettisoned his Swedish compatriot Victor Lindelof.
The two players share the same agent in Turkish businessman Hasan Cetinkaya, with Lindelof said to have maintained a desire to remain at Old Trafford had he been offered a new deal by the club.
Cetinkaya was also allegedly angered by Amorim’s treatment of the centre-back given that he persuaded Gyokeres to work under the current United boss at Sporting.
Gyokeres chose the Portuguese side despite offers from eight Premier League clubs claimed to have been interested in him in the summer of 2023.
Ruben Amorim was reportedly responsible for Viktor Gyokeres opting not to move to Manchester United
Gyokeres has been agitating for a move away from Sporting Lisbon throughout the summer
Competition for his signature came after an impressive two-year spell at Championship side Coventry City.
That saw Sporting break their transfer record as they spent £18million to sign him from the Sky Blues.
But he now looks to be on the move again after already refusing to train as he seeks a move away from the Portuguese capital following a remarkable scoring record of 68 goals in 66 league appearances across two campaigns.
Amorim’s side did appear to be contenders but a lack of Champions League football, uncertainty over the club’s financial situation and Gyokeres’ lack of conviction over the state of a team that finished 15th in the Premier League put them out of the race.
Despite those factors, United did not appear to be deterred, with Record claiming that United submitted previous bids to Sporting above those sent by Arsenal.
However, the Swede was claimed to have remained firm in his stance that he only wants to play for the Gunners next season following their interest in him.
Mail Sport understands that the clubs are close to agreeing a deal worth an initial £55million, with a further £7.4m in add-ons, while Gyokeres has agreed a five-year contract.
Arsenal had hoped to seal the deal before they flew out to their pre-season tour of Asia on Saturday, but the two sides remain at odds over bonus payments and the schedule of instalments, with Sporting pushing for more of the fee up front.
Amorim has appeared desperate for a reunion with the striker he coached at Sporting
But Gyokeres was said to be angered by the way in which Amorim dealt with the contract situation of his compatriot Victor Lindelof
Gyokeres has previously spoken of his desire to return to the English top flight, to atone for his fruitless loan spell he endured at Brighton.
He played just eight times, scoring only once, in three-and-half-years on Brighton’s books, which saw him loaned out to St. Pauli and Swansea City before he ended up at Coventry and then Sporting.
The Swedish international’s potential move would continue what has already been a busy summer for the Gunners as they look to clinch a first Premier League title in 21 years next season.
Arsenal have already announced the signing of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi for £60m.
Zubimendi, 26, has signed a five-year deal with the Gunners, who were able to beat Premier League rivals Liverpool and Manchester City to his signature.
The Spanish international has long been courted by Mikel Arteta’s side, who have now finally managed to land one of their key targets.
