Fabrizio Romano: £68m Player Informs Manchester United of Preference to Sign for Arsenal

Manchester United have been dealt a setback in their pursuit of one of Europe’s top attackers, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, with Viktor Gyokeres telling former manager Ruben Amorim that he wants to join Arsenal because of their Champions League status.

The Red Devils are in desperate need of attacking recruits and appear to be making headway in that area of their roster. After signing Wolverhampton Wanderers star Matheus Cunha for about £62.5 million, Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo remains on their radar, with Amorim hoping to complete a deal for the Cameroonian before returning for pre-season in early July.

Romano: Gyokeres’ Preference is Arsenal, Scuppers Manchester United Bid.
Ruben Amorim may not be able to connect with his former star.

Despite improvements in the attacking areas, United’s key strikers, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, only scored seven Premier League goals together last season.

And this has prompted Amorim to sign former sensation Gyokeres, who scored an astounding 39 league goals in 33 Primeira Liga games for Sporting last season, only six shy of United’s total, and was dubbed ‘unstoppable’ in the process.

However, the Swede has struck them a blow by selecting Arsenal as his first choice due to their Champions League status, according to Romano, potentially prompting Amorim to pursue another option rather than acquiring the £68 million-rated player. The journalist stated on his YouTube channel:

“Viktor Gyokeres remains a priority, and his focus is Arsenal. He wants to go to Arsenal and play Champions League football for them.

“He never rejected Manchester United, but he told Manchester United that his priority would be Arsenal, so let’s follow that situation.”

Arsenal is also in desperate need of a striker, which will not help United’s cause. After Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus were injured in the middle of the season, Mikel Merino was introduced as an auxiliary striker. However, an out-and-out talisman was plainly needed amid a difficult run of form, as Liverpool waltzed away with the Premier League title.

If Gyokeres is left alone, United may have an advantage with Benjamin Sesko. However, a deal with Mikkel Arteta may be difficult to implement, leading to a move for Gyokeres and sabotaging United’s prospects.

Statistics courtesy of WhoScored. Correct as of 25-06-25.

Fabrizio Romano: £68m Player Informs Manchester United of Preference to Sign for Arsenal

Fabrizio Romano has revealed a major twist in the summer transfer market as a £68 million-rated player has reportedly informed Manchester United of his desire to join Arsenal instead. This revelation has sent shockwaves through the Premier League, with fans and pundits alike analyzing the potential impact such a move could have on both clubs’ transfer strategies and the upcoming season.

The player in question, whose identity is closely linked with multiple top-flight performances over the past year, had been a key target for Manchester United as they look to strengthen their squad under Erik ten Hag. With a pressing need for quality reinforcements across several positions, United had identified him as a cornerstone for their rebuild. Negotiations were believed to be advancing positively until the player expressed a firm preference for a move to North London.

According to Romano, the player has been impressed by Mikel Arteta’s project at Arsenal, particularly the club’s recent push for Premier League and Champions League success. Arteta’s style of football, development of young players, and ambitious direction have all played a significant role in swaying the player’s decision. The Gunners’ ability to offer Champions League football has also been a decisive factor.

This development poses a dilemma for Manchester United, who now face the task of either convincing the player to reconsider or shifting their focus to other targets. The situation reflects a broader challenge facing the club, as it competes with more stable and attractive projects in the transfer market. The ongoing restructuring under INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe has brought some optimism, but United remains in a transitional phase.

Arsenal, on the other hand, are in a strong negotiating position. With the player already signaling a clear preference for the Emirates, they can work to lower the fee or negotiate favorable terms. Sporting directors Edu and Richard Garlick are reportedly working closely to finalize the approach, with Romano suggesting that contact with the player’s representatives has already been established for several weeks.

The player’s agent is said to have communicated his client’s desire in no uncertain terms. While maintaining professionalism with Manchester United, they made it clear that Arsenal is the preferred destination. This transparency could help speed up negotiations and avoid a drawn-out transfer saga that might unsettle the player or his current club.

Manchester United, meanwhile, are evaluating their next steps. Though disappointed by the player’s stance, the club has contingency plans in place. Their scouting department has been working on parallel targets and could pivot quickly to alternatives. The focus remains on ensuring that whoever joins is fully committed to the long-term vision at Old Trafford.

This isn’t the first time Arsenal have beaten their rivals to a high-profile signing. Under Arteta’s leadership, the Gunners have become more decisive in the market, often winning players over through a clear footballing philosophy and a strong development pathway. The manager’s close involvement in transfer discussions has proven key in closing deals swiftly and effectively.

The £68 million valuation reflects the player’s high market value, driven by his performances in both domestic and European competitions. His current club is aware of the interest and is reportedly open to selling at the right price, though they are keen to spark a bidding war to maximize profits. Arsenal’s advantage lies in the player’s personal choice, which could be pivotal in ending negotiations early.

Romano notes that while Manchester United have not officially withdrawn from the race, there is a growing sense within the club that their chances of landing the player are fading. The decision now rests on how far United are willing to go to try to change the player’s mind, and whether they see value in pursuing someone who may no longer be fully committed to joining.

The player’s desire to join Arsenal aligns with the Gunners’ current recruitment model. Arteta and Edu have targeted individuals who not only fit the tactical system but also exhibit a hunger to be part of a rising project. This clarity in recruitment has helped Arsenal build a strong and cohesive squad capable of competing at the highest level.

Should the transfer be completed, the player is expected to slot seamlessly into Arsenal’s setup. His technical ability, tactical intelligence, and experience make him a natural fit for Arteta’s system. Supporters are already buzzing at the prospect of adding another top-tier name to the squad as the club prepares for another title challenge.

Manchester United supporters, on the other hand, are understandably frustrated. Losing out on a major target to a direct rival is always hard to accept, especially during a period of rebuilding. The club’s decision-makers now face increasing pressure to deliver alternatives who can match or exceed the potential impact of the missed signing.

This situation underscores the importance of player preference in modern football transfers. Even the most well-structured financial packages can fall short if the player envisions a better sporting future elsewhere. Clubs are increasingly required to sell their sporting vision convincingly to secure elite talent.

Romano emphasized that Arsenal’s offer is not yet official but is expected soon. The club is working on finalizing the structure of the deal, likely involving installments and performance-based clauses. Given the player’s desire to make the switch, personal terms are not expected to be a major hurdle.

The player’s current club is watching the situation closely. Though open to a transfer, they will not accept anything below their valuation. They hope Arsenal’s interest translates into a formal bid soon, as they want clarity before entering their own summer recruitment phase.

Romano’s report has added credibility to earlier rumors, now confirming that behind the scenes, the player’s intention has shaped the direction of talks. Arsenal’s readiness to act quickly may allow them to wrap up the deal before preseason begins, giving Arteta time to integrate his new signing.

United will likely move forward with other targets, possibly in different regions or leagues. Their transfer team remains active, and this setback could serve as motivation to close other important deals swiftly. The club knows that restoring its elite status will require more than just big names; it will take alignment between player mentality and club objectives.

As the summer window unfolds, this saga will be one of the most closely followed. The outcome will not only influence the two clubs involved but also signal to other players and agents where momentum currently lies in the Premier League. Arsenal look set to win this round, but the market still holds many twists to come.