Erling Haaland may ruin Arsenal transfer plan as major twist comes to light
Manchester City star Erling Haaland is being targeted by Real Madrid and Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres has been linked with a move to the Etihad to replace the Norwegian
by Matthew Cooper · The MirrorManchester City are eyeing a move for Arsenal transfer target Viktor Gyokeres, with the forward being considered as a potential replacement for Erling Haaland.
Haaland joined City from Borussia Dortmund back in 2022 and the 24-year-old has been in prolific form, netting 101 goals in 109 appearances across all competitions and helping them win two Premier League titles, the Champions League and the FA Cup.
However, Haaland has attracted interest from Real Madrid and Sky Sports are reporting that the Norwegian international is interested in a move to Spain. The report states that Haaland has a €150million (£125m) release clause in his contract, which is due to expire in 2027.
City's attempts to persuade Haaland to sign a new deal have been unsuccessful so far and it is claimed he could join Madrid in 2026, with the report adding that Gyokeres is the leading contender to replace him at the Emirates.
The 26-year-old has impressed since joining Sporting from Coventry last year, netting 55 goals in 62 games. City are said to already be in contact with Gyokeres' representatives and Sporting's director of football Hugo Viana is set to join City at the end of the season.
Viana will replace City's current director of football Txiki Begiristain, who has been in the role for 12 years. " Manchester City can confirm that Txiki Begiristain will step away from his full-time role as Director of Football at the end of the 2024/25 season," a club statement read.
"Following a trophy-laden twelve years at the Etihad Stadium, Txiki will leave his current post following the Club's involvement in this summer's FIFA Club World Cup and will be succeeded by Hugo Viana of Sporting CP.
"Viana will begin his full-time role in the summer of 2025, but will collaborate with Txiki in the preceding months to ensure a smooth transition. We look forward to paying tribute to Txiki's outstanding contribution to Manchester City at the end of the season."
Viana made 39 Premier League appearances for Newcastle as a player, before becoming a key figure behind the scenes at Sporting during their recent success under highly-rated manager Ruben Amorim.
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