Manchester United has reportedly been given a significant boost in their pursuit of Sporting Lisbon’s star striker Viktor Gyökeres, as Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) appears to have stepped back from the race for the prolific Swedish forward. This decision by PSG could give Manchester United and rivals Manchester City a clearer path to secure Gyökeres’s services during the upcoming summer transfer window. His impressive form this season, in which he has already scored 23 goals in just 17 appearances across all competitions—including 16 in only 10 league matches—has cemented him as one of the hottest transfer prospects for the 2024-25 season. Ruben Amorim, Sporting’s current manager, is reportedly interested in bringing Gyökeres to Manchester United if he takes over as head coach next season, which seems likely. Speculation has already intensified around Amorim's expected move to United, and he has hinted at his intention to involve Gyökeres in his plans. This would provide Manchester United with a powerful forward option, adding depth and flexibility to their attack. Gyökeres’s current release clause sits at a significant €100m (£83m), but it is understood that Sporting may consider a slightly lower fee—around €76m (£63m)—to facilitate the transfer next summer. Manchester City, however, could complicate Manchester United’s pursuit of Gyökeres. City has reportedly shown interest in the 26-year-old, especially after his recent performance in the Champions League, where he scored three times against the reigning Premier League champions. This head-to-head competition between United and City could drive up the final transfer fee, making Gyökeres one of the marquee signings of the summer window if either Manchester club is able to secure him. Initially, PSG was believed to be interested in Gyökeres as well, particularly since Kylian Mbappé departed for Real Madrid on a free transfer over the summer. The French champions have been searching for a reliable goal scorer to bolster their attack. Bradley Barcola, PSG’s current top scorer this season, has netted eight goals, while Ousmane Dembélé has also been effective, contributing five goals and seven assists in just 12 appearances. However, Randal Kolo Muani has struggled to make a significant impact, with only two goals in 12 appearances, and PSG is expected to prioritize a new striker next summer. Despite earlier links to Gyökeres, reports now suggest that PSG has removed him from their list of targets, seemingly leaving Manchester United and Manchester City as the primary suitors for the Swedish striker. Ruben Amorim recently hinted that he expects Gyökeres to move on from Sporting Lisbon at the end of the season. After Sporting’s recent Champions League clash with Manchester City, Amorim, who will officially take charge as Manchester United’s new head coach on Monday, told reporters, "If I start joking about this Gyökeres situation, I'll get in trouble. This is my city, this is my country, so I'll respect it. Viktor has to stay until the end of the season, and then his life will probably go somewhere else." These comments indicate that Amorim is realistic about Gyökeres’s potential departure, although he remains committed to keeping the striker focused on his current responsibilities at Sporting Lisbon until the end of the season. Gyökeres has developed a stellar record since joining Sporting from Coventry City in the summer of 2023, scoring 66 goals in 67 appearances in all competitions and providing 19 assists. His form has transformed him into one of Europe’s most prolific forwards, sparking interest from multiple top clubs. When asked recently by Portuguese outlet *Record* about his future and a possible move to Manchester United, Gyökeres responded with a level-headed answer: “I don’t know, I’m here. I really like being here; it’s not something I think about. I’m enjoying it here.” This response reflects his current dedication to Sporting, even as rumors continue to swirl around his future. Arsenal, too, have been mentioned as potential contenders for Gyökeres’s signature. Although interest from the Gunners has reportedly cooled in recent months, they may still consider him as a possible target for their frontline in the upcoming transfer window. Arsenal is expected to prioritize a new striker next summer, adding another potential competitor to the race for Gyökeres if they choose to pursue him actively. With PSG stepping back, Manchester United and Manchester City are now positioned as the two main clubs likely to engage in a head-to-head battle for Gyökeres. Should United secure his services, Gyökeres would not only reinforce their attacking options but also fulfill Amorim’s vision for the team’s future. At Manchester City, Gyökeres would potentially fill a key role alongside or as an alternative to the club’s other attacking options, providing a robust forward capable of high output. The transfer window next summer promises to be highly competitive, especially with United and City both eager to strengthen their squads. Gyökeres, who brings consistent goal-scoring ability, creative assists, and tactical versatility, will likely be a key talking point as clubs position themselves to vie for his signature. At the age of 26, Gyökeres is approaching the prime of his career, and his contributions could make a significant impact in either Manchester-based team’s pursuit of domestic and European titles. His transfer could reshape the dynamic of Premier League football, especially if he arrives with Amorim at Manchester United, where the manager is expected to usher in a new era for the club. Gyökeres’s prospective move, coupled with his impressive goal-scoring stats and Sporting’s openness to a transfer, could make him one of the standout players in the summer transfer window. As next year approaches, it’s clear that the former Coventry City striker’s path may soon lead him from Portugal to one of Europe’s top leagues.