Viktor Gyokeres' former team-mate reveals striker's preferred destination out of Arsenal, Man Utd and Chelsea

A former team-mate of Viktor Gyokeres has revealed the Sporting Lisbon striker's preferred destination out of Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea.

Gyokeres has been one of Europe's top strikers over the past 18 months and has already smashed in 31 goals in all competitions this term.

The Swedish international was linked with a potential move to Manchester United after the Red Devils announced Ruben Amorim as their new manager, but a deal this season was never likely due to United's FFP situation.

The 26-year-old is said to have a release clause of €100 million (around £83m) in his Sporting contract, but it has been reported that a fee of €70 million (around £58m) may be enough to convince the Portuguese giants to do business.

Prior to moving to Lisbon, Gyokeres had spells in English football with Brighton, Swansea and Coventry.

He smashed in 41 Championship goals in two-and-a-half seasons at Coventry under the tutelage of former Manchester United striker Mark Robins.

That prompted interest from Sporting, who paid £20 million to sign him in the summer of 2023.

Gyokeres' early years in English football appeared to do little to suggest he would become one of the world's top strikers, as he had only played 11 Championship games prior to signing for Coventry in January 2021.

He was a prolific goalscorer at U21 level for Brighton but never made a senior Premier League appearance, with the likes of Neal Maupay and Glenn Murray the club's senior striking options during Gyokeres' time there.

Speaking to 10bet, Murray has now revealed where he thinks the Swede's preferred next destination will be.

He said: "He's smashed every question down so far, so he definitely deserves his chance in the Premier League, and I think with his confidence and ability he would be a success.

Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres pictured (Image: Getty)

"To have a few loans, to go out to Coventry, which was the right fit for him, and the team was built around him to score goals, and then the move to Sporting. When you go to a league like that, you've been backed. They paid a lot of money for you, you're going to get your time, you're going to get your chance.

"He's taken it with both hands and now the next step is one of the big leagues in Europe. Hopefully that is the Premier League.

"Obviously with his old manager being here [Amorim], it's quite likely that if he does decide to come here, Manchester United are going to be his preferred destination."

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