Atletico Madrid hold a significant advantage over Man United and Arsenal in the race to sign Viktor Gyokeres, according to reports from Spain.
The Swede is one of hottest properties in world football and leads the European goalscoring charts with a staggering 52 goals in 48 matches including seven hat-tricks.
He has been earmarked with a move away from Sporting Lisbon this summer with Man United and Arsenal heavily tipped to sign the striker.
Gyokeres has stated his desire to play in the Champions League — a competition Man United will qualify for if they beat Tottenham in the Europa League final on May 21.
A move to Old Trafford would reunited the 26-year-old with Ruben Amorim under whom he won last season’s Primeira Liga title.
Arsenal are also seen as front-runners for Gyokeres’ signature with Mikel Arteta’s side in desperate need of attacking reinforcements.
Man United boss Ruben Amorim managed Viktor Gyokeres last season at Sporting Lisbon
Sweden striker Viktor Gyokeres has scored 52 goals this season, including seven hat-tricks
Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid may benefit from their relationship with kit supplier Nike
However, Mundo Deportivo are reporting that Atletico Madrid’s relationship with Nike could be the key factor in Gyokeres’ future.
The American retailer are kit suppliers to Los Colchoneros and sponsor Gyokeres whereas both Man United and Arsenal have their kit supplied by Adidas.
Nike renewed their deal with Atletico on Thursday with reports claiming that the deal was worth a massive £24m which would make them the third best-rewarded European club on their roster after Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona.
As one of their most high-profile clients, Nike would be reluctant to see Gyokeres in the kit branded by their rivals, Adidas.
So much so that Catalan newspaper El Nacional has even claimed that the clothing brand could pay part of the Sporting Lisbon striker’s signing.
Gyokeres has been widely reported to have an £85million release clause. But it is now understood Sporting would be willing to accept bids of around £58m.
Mikel Arteta is keen for attacking reinforcements after coming up short in the Premier League
He would therefore be a much cheaper acquisition than fellow Arsenal target Alexander Isak, who has been valued at £150m by Newcastle.
Gyokeres was asked about a move to the Emirates last month, but he remained tight-lipped over his future.
Pressed as to whether he likes London, with a smile on his face, he simply stated: ‘I like Lisbon.’
When commenting on his reported gentleman’s agreement with Sporting that he can leave in the upcoming window, Gyokeres remarked: ‘I can’t say anything about that.’
Before adding: ‘No one can predict what will happen, we enjoy the moment.’
