Man Utd Shift Transfer Focus After Gyokeres Chooses Arsenal in Stunning Twist

Manchester United have shifted their striker search to Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins after being dealt a major blow in the race for Viktor Gyokeres, who is now set on joining Premier League rivals Arsenal. 

United boss Ruben Amorim had earmarked Gyokeres, his former star at Sporting Lisbon, as a priority signing this summer. But despite United’s pursuit, the prolific Swedish forward has reportedly made it clear he prefers a move to the Emirates, forcing the Red Devils to look elsewhere. 

With time ticking and United desperate for a reliable goal-scorer, the club is now pushing hard for Watkins, a 29-year-old England international with Premier League experience and a strong track record. 

Although he recently signed a long-term deal keeping him at Villa until 2028, the striker is believed to be open to a new challenge, especially after Aston Villa narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification last season with a 2-0 defeat to United. 

Watkins’ situation was complicated further by competition for starting spots, first from Colombian forward Jhon Durán and later from Marcus Rashford, who spent the second half of the season on loan at Villa Park. Despite his talent, Watkins wasn’t guaranteed a regular place in Unai Emery’s starting XI. 

Manchester United initially considered offering Rashford in a swap deal for Watkins, valuing the England forward at £40 million. But Aston Villa rejected the proposal and are reportedly holding out for a fee closer to £60 million if they are to part ways with their talismanic striker. 

United, currently unable to offer European football after losing the Europa League final 1-0 to Tottenham, are reluctant to meet Villa’s full asking price. They also face financial constraints, needing to sell players like Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, and Antony before making any big-money signings. 

Still, Watkins fits the profile of the striker Amorim wants to lead the line at Old Trafford: quick, hardworking, and dangerous in front of goal. 

Despite Villa’s hesitance to sell, manager Unai Emery has made no secret of his admiration for Watkins. Speaking to TNT Sports in March, Emery said: 

“He’s amazing. Because he’s a really hard worker and his commitment to work every day is amazing. When he is scoring goals, it’s the main objective he can have.” 

“Where he is assisting as well, he’s contributing to help the team. But even when he’s not doing both, he’s working for the team. Defensively, the commitment was always high. He is in the press to the opponent. His commitment and behaviour is always a very good example for others. His power is his mind. His mentality is the best quality he has.” 

Such high praise underlines why United are serious about trying to bring Watkins to Old Trafford, even if it means breaking their wage and transfer structure to do so. 

Manchester United’s interest in Bryan Mbeumo of Brentford also seems to have cooled, as negotiations remain stuck. Watkins now appears to be United’s top alternative to Gyokeres, and with Arsenal closing in on their man, all eyes are on whether United can act fast and force Villa’s hand. 

With Watkins open to leaving and United desperate for a new number nine, this saga could become one of the summer’s most dramatic transfer stories.