Manchester United’s pursuit of Viktor Gyökeres appears doomed after the Sporting striker said signing for Arsenal would be a “dream”. United held exploratory discussions about buying the 27-year-old, with Ruben Amorim intent on strengthening the position. But it is understood the player’s representatives have told United he does not wish to join the club.
Instead Gyökeres is understood to view Arsenal as his preferred option since they will play in the Champions League next season.
United are in a state of rebuild and will not play in Europe next season after finishing 15th in the Premier League and losing the Europa League final. While they still hope to revive the transfer, it is an outside prospect.
Whether Mikel Arteta views the Swede as his first-choice centre-forward recruit is unclear as he is thought to prefer the 22-year-old Benjamin Sesko at RB Leipzig. Sporting value Gyökeres at about €80m (£68m).
