Arsenal and Manchester United often go after the same players in the transfer market.
The two historic English clubs have always been rivals, but in recent years, Mikel Arteta’s men have been on another level compared to the Red Devils.
Despite that, both clubs have common targets, especially in the top end of the pitch, and they could go head-to-head over a transfer again this summer.
But, Arsenal may have a slight edge in the race because their financial position is a lot better than that of United at this moment in time.
Arsenal could make Viktor Gyokeres break his promise to Manchester United
Viktor Gyokeres has been one of the most prolific strikers on the planet since the start of last season.
The Sweden international joined Sporting CP in the summer of 2023 from Coventry City, and he played a huge part in helping them win the Portuguese league title.
Gyokeres has been delivering the goods this season as well, and Sporting are on track to retain their crown.
The summer transfer window will be when the Swede’s future will be a big talking point, and new Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is a big fan of Gyokeres.
Sky Sports in Switzerland now reveal that contacts between Berta and the striker’s camp are already underway, and the Arsenal director is not fazed by Sporting’s demands of around £58 million.
The report further reveals that Berta has ‘received the necessary guarantees’ from the Kroenkes and the board that he will be given the funds to carry out this operation.
That could be bad news for Manchester United as the report claims that Gyokeres ‘had given his word to Ruben Amorim to join him’ at Old Trafford this summer.
The ‘complex’ financial situation of the Red Devils could make it impossible for them to afford Gyokeres, unless they make a big sale.
Viktor Gyokeres’ stats compared to Arsenal and Man United’s strikers speak volumes
If there’s one thing Arsenal and Manchester United have in common right now, it’s that they don’t have prolific goal-scorers.
That is a hard statement to make, considering how many iconic number nines have played for both clubs over the years.
Gyokeres would be a great option for both Arsenal and Manchester United, and his numbers compared to the two clubs’ strikers tell you exactly that.
| Games | Goals | Assists | Minutes-per-goal | |
| Viktor Gyokeres since 2023/24 | 92 | 85 | 26 | 84.3 |
| Kai Havertz since 2023/24 | 85 | 29 | 12 | 227.6 |
| Gabriel Jesus since 2023/24 | 63 | 15 | 10 | 207.6 |
| Rasmus Hojlund since 2023/24 | 82 | 24 | 6 | 226.5 |
| Joshua Zirkzee since 2023/24 | 81 | 18 | 9 | 277.8 |
The table above tells you very clearly that both Arsenal and Manchester United need a prolific striker in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Gyokeres has scored one less goal than Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Rasmus Hojlund, and Joshua Zirkzee combined since the start of last season.
That is a crazy statistic, and it also explains why the two clubs are after Gyokeres.
