The latest Manchester United transfer news as the Sporting CP striker has completed a move to Arsenal despite interest from United.
Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres(Image: Maciej Rogowski/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Arsenal have officially confirmed the signing of reported Manchester United transfer target Viktor Gyokeres, with the player explaining why he made the move to the Emirates Stadium.
The Sporting CP striker has put pen-to-paper on a five-year deal with Arsenal, in a deal that is worth £55.1 million with £8.7 million in add-ons. United boss Ruben Amorim had reportedly been keen on a reunion with his former player earlier this season.
However, it quickly emerged that Gyokeres was leaning towards a move to Arsenal, effectively ruling United out of the race. There were some reports last week that United had attempted a late hijack of the deal, but as reported by MEN Sport, United had no intention of making any move for the forward who was destined for a move to the Emirates Stadium.
Following confirmation of his move to Arsenal, Gyokeres gave his immediate response to the transfer. He explained why he chose to join Arsenal.
“I just felt that it was the right club for me,” he told the Club’s official website. “What I heard from Mikel [Arteta] and Andrea [Berta, Arsenal sporting director] when I was speaking with them, and just what I’ve seen in the past years, how they’ve been playing football.
“When I was playing against Arsenal last season, I could really feel it was a very strong team and very difficult to play against.
“That made me choose Arsenal, and of course all the history the club has and the massive fanbase. It’s been amazing to see all the support that they have already given me before I even arrived.
“That’s what it’s all about. It’s going to be very nice to see them in the stadiums as well.”
United’s search for a new striker in the current transfer window will now go in a different direction.
RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson are among the names to be mentioned over the last few days, although Newcastle United appear to be pushing hard for the former.
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