
Manchester, England — Manchester City is reportedly considering a move for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres as a potential replacement for Erling Haaland, a development that could significantly impact Arsenal’s transfer strategy for the forward.
According to a report by Mirror UK, the 26-year-old Gyokeres has already been linked with a transfer to Arsenal. However, City may intervene should Haaland leave for Real Madrid. The Norwegian international, who joined City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, has enjoyed a remarkable scoring spree, netting 101 goals in 109 appearances, contributing to the club’s two Premier League titles, FA Cup victory, and a Champions League triumph.
Sky Sports has further fueled speculation regarding Haaland’s future, revealing that Real Madrid is keen on signing the striker, who is reportedly open to a move to Spain. His contract includes a €150 million (£125m) release clause, which remains valid until 2027. Despite City’s attempts to negotiate an extension, talks have reportedly stalled, raising the possibility that Haaland could join Madrid by 2026.
In light of this potential exit, Gyokeres has emerged as a leading candidate to fill the void at the Etihad Stadium. Since joining Sporting from Coventry City last year, the striker has impressed, scoring 55 goals in 62 games.
City has already reached out to Gyokeres’ representatives, signaling their serious interest in the player. Additionally, Sporting’s director of football, Hugo Viana, is set to join Manchester City at the end of the season, succeeding the long-serving Txiki Begiristain. A club statement confirmed, “Manchester City can confirm that Txiki Begiristain will step away from his full-time role as Director of Football at the end of the 2024/25 season,” indicating Viana’s transition into the role.
Viana, who made 39 Premier League appearances for Newcastle as a player, has been instrumental in Sporting’s recent success under manager Ruben Amorim. His arrival at City could pave the way for Gyokeres’ move to Manchester, jeopardizing Arsenal’s plans to secure the forward.
As the transfer window approaches, both Manchester City and Arsenal will be closely monitoring the situation, particularly in light of Haaland’s uncertain future.