One of the highs of Arsenal’s summer transfer window was securing the signing of Viktor Gyokeres.
After seeing the Swede score an eye-watering 97 goals for Sporting CP over two seasons, it didn’t take a lot to convince Mikel Arteta he was right for Arsenal.
Andrea Berta was the driving force behind signing Gyokeres, despite others being in the running to become Arteta’s long-awaited centre-forward.
With two goals in his opening three Premier League games, it’s been a tremendous start for the Swede, despite the Gunners still very much adapting to his style of play.
Fabrizio Romano confirms why Viktor Gyokeres chose Arsenal over Manchester United
Arsenal chose Gyokeres over Benjamin Sesko due to the belief that the former had more of a chance of hitting the ground running due to his experience.
So far, the verdict is appearing to be spot on, as Sesko is struggling to get up to speed at Manchester United.
Ironically, the early stages of the summer transfer window painted a largely different picture, as Sesko appeared to be Arsenal’s favourite, while Ruben Amorim eyed a reunion with Gyokeres.
Speaking on The Here We Go podcast, Fabrizio Romano revealed how the transfer saga was concluded by Gyokeres joining Arsenal over Manchester United.
“The topic is that Viktor Gyokeres made a very clear decision on his plan to go to Arsenal, especially after Man United didn’t access Champions League football,” Romano said.
The renowned transfer expert then explained that it wasn’t merely Champions League involvement that made Gyokeres’ mind up, but also the projects presented to him.
“It’s also about the Manchester United project, compared to the Arsenal project, Gyokeres wanted to go to Arsenal in a very clear way.”
The Swede had a say in his future, making it abundantly clear he only wanted Arsenal, which wasn’t necessarily the wish of his former club.
Sporting CP wanted Gyokeres to sign for Manchester United
Gyokeres fell out majorly with Sporting as he hoped to force a transfer away from the club after his magnificent two-year stay.
There was a point in the summer when signing for Arsenal looked unlikely, as Sporting pushed for the Man United deal, as Romano detailed when speaking on his podcast.
“I can tell you behind the scenes that when Arsenal were negotiating, and you remember that time in July, there was this negotiation, a very difficult negotiation with Sporting at some point, to unlock the deal on the bonuses, on the final bits of the deal.
“Well, during those three, four days, Sporting offered via intermediaries several times to Manchester United the opportunity to go and outbid Arsenal, and make a bigger proposal, and get Viktor Gyokeres in a sensational hijack.
“But who stopped that possibility was Gyokeres. Gyokeres wanted to go to Arsenal, didn’t want to consider Man United, but they had the opportunity to go for him, was just not possible because of the player.”
Gyokeres only wanted Arsenal, which was what he made clear throughout the summer and thankfully, the striker got his wish.
from Arsenal Transfer News | Rumours, Deals & Targets | Arsenal Insider
Rosie Tudball