Manchester United have officially announced Ruben Amorim as their new manager, a move that could significantly complicate Arsenal‘s pursuit of Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyökeres.

Amorim, who coached Gyökeres at Sporting, has taken over at United following Erik ten Hag’s dismissal on Monday. United reportedly paid Amorim’s £8.3 million release clause.

LISBON, PORTUGAL - NOVEMBER 01: Head Coach Ruben Amorim of Sporting CP before the start of the Liga Portugal Betclic match between Sporting CP and CF Estrela da Amadora at Estadio Jose Alvalade on November 1, 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
LISBON, PORTUGAL – NOVEMBER 01: Head Coach Ruben Amorim of Sporting CP before the start of the Liga Portugal Betclic match between Sporting CP and CF Estrela da Amadora at Estadio Jose Alvalade on November 1, 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

The Gunners have long been admirers of the 26-year-old forward, who joined Sporting from Coventry City and quickly established himself as one of the top attacking talents in Europe.

Arsenal, who have been tracking Gyökeres since his move to Portugal, are keen to strengthen their forward line, and Sporting’s recent decision to slash their asking price to between £50-58 million may have presented the perfect opportunity.

Sporting Lisbon's Swedish forward Viktor Gyokeres #9 reacts at the end of the Portuguese league football match between Sporting CP and FC Porto at the Alvalade stadium in Lisbon on August 31, 2024. (Photo by FILIPE AMORIM/AFP via Getty Images)
Sporting Lisbon’s Swedish forward Viktor Gyokeres #9 reacts at the end of the Portuguese league football match between Sporting CP and FC Porto at the Alvalade stadium in Lisbon on August 31, 2024. (Photo by FILIPE AMORIM/AFP via Getty Images)

However, Manchester United’s interest in Gyökeres has reportedly intensified due to Amorim’s arrival. Amorim has reportedly already made clear his plans for reshaping the United squad, with several current players set to be moved on in January.

Ten Hag-style, he is also eyeing a number of Sporting players, and Gyökeres is believed to be high on his list of potential signings.

It has also been reported that Gyökeres is now unhappy with the uncertainty at Sporting following Amorim’s departure, and he was among several players who questioned the coach’s decision to leave.

Gyökeres himself has expressed interest in playing in the Premier League, which will be an encouraging sign for both Arsenal and Manchester United. The Sweden international has been in red-hot form this season, registering 24 goals and seven assists in 20 matches for both Sporting and the Swedish national team.

Sporting Lisbon's Swedish forward #09 Viktor Gyokeres celebrates scoring during the Portuguese League football match between Rio Ave FC and Sporting CP at the Rio Ave FC - Dos Arcos stadium in Vila do Conde, on February 25, 2024. (Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA/AFP via Getty Images)
Sporting Lisbon’s Swedish forward #09 Viktor Gyokeres celebrates scoring during the Portuguese League football match between Rio Ave FC and Sporting CP at the Rio Ave FC – Dos Arcos stadium in Vila do Conde, on February 25, 2024. (Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA/AFP via Getty Images)

Despite Sporting’s efforts to increase his salary to fend off interest, they seem unlikely to match the financial muscle of Premier League clubs like Arsenal or Manchester United. Gyökeres currently earns around €46,000 per week (£39,000), a figure Arsenal could comfortably surpass.

Sporting’s reluctance to lose their star striker is clear, but they may be forced to accept the inevitability of his departure if either Arsenal or Manchester United meet their new asking price.

With Gyökeres keen to test himself in a more competitive league, the clock is ticking for the Gunners to act decisively and avoid losing out to their rivals.