Arsenal over United, as both clubs seek to strengthen their attacking options this summer.
However, Gyokeres has not entirely ruled out reuniting with his former coach, offering Amorim a glimmer of hope as United navigate a challenging season.
Both Premier League giants are set to be active in the striker market, with Gyokeres among several high-profile names expected to secure moves, alongside Victor Osimhen and Liam Delap.
Despite his strong bond with Amorim, reports indicate that Arsenal currently leads the race for his signature.
According to The Telegraph, Arsenal’s newly appointed sporting director Andrea Berta has identified Gyokeres as a top priority in their summer transfer plans.
Berta had previously attempted to bring the 26-year-old to Atletico Madrid during his tenure with the La Liga club, and his interest remains strong.
Gyokeres’ appeal is clear, having delivered an extraordinary return of 52 goals in 48 appearances for Sporting across all competitions this season.
His prolific form builds upon an impressive debut season, following his move to Lisbon from Coventry City in 2023 under Amorim’s guidance.
While Arsenal is currently leading the pursuit, Gyokeres remains open to a potential switch to Old Trafford—on one condition.
Reports suggest he has informed Amorim that he would consider joining United if they secure a Champions League spot for next season.
United’s domestic struggles have left them languishing in 15th place with three games remaining, but they still have a pathway to European qualification.
The Red Devils hold a commanding 3-0 advantage over Athletic Club heading into Thursday’s Europa League semi-final second leg at Old Trafford.
Victory would set up a final clash against either Tottenham Hotspur or Bodo/Glimt in Bilbao on May 21, offering United one last chance to book their place in next season’s Champions League.
Date: Wednesday night Kick-off: 20:00 Venue: Parc des Princes, Paris Occasion: UEFA Champions League Semi-Final (2nd Leg)
Football fans, buckle up—because we’re heading to the Parc des Princes for a continental heavyweight showdown that could define the season for both clubs. Paris Saint-Germain host Arsenal in what promises to be an electrifying second leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final. PSG have the slenderest of leads thanks to their 1-0 win in North London, but the Gunners aren’t out of the fight yet—not by a long shot.
This isn’t just any semi-final. This is a clash of two titans desperate to shake off past UCL heartbreaks and write a new chapter. For PSG, it’s a golden chance to finally get their hands on that elusive first Champions League trophy. For Arsenal, it’s about proving to the world that their rebuild under Mikel Arteta can deliver on the biggest stage of all.
Let’s dive in, Gooners and Parisiens—this one is going to be a rollercoaster.
The Story So Far
PSG landed the first blow. Ousmane Dembele’s early strike at the Emirates gave Luis Enrique’s side a crucial away win and a one-goal cushion heading into the return leg. While the scoreline was tight, PSG were electric in the opening 20 minutes—swarming the ball, pressing like demons, and carving Arsenal open with pace and flair.
But Arsenal regrouped. They settled into the game, had their moments, and could have easily nicked an equaliser had Gianluigi Donnarumma not pulled off a world-class save or two. It wasn’t the worst result for Arteta’s men, but they now face an uphill climb in Paris.
To make matters more intriguing, both sides slipped up in their domestic leagues over the weekend. PSG were stunned 2-1 by Strasbourg, while Arsenal fell to a frustrating 2-1 defeat at home to Bournemouth. Still, both managers rotated heavily with this midweek blockbuster in mind—so expect their strongest lineups when the lights shine brightest.
Head-to-Head & Recent Form
Before Dembele’s heroics in the first leg, Arsenal had PSG’s number. The Gunners were unbeaten in four previous meetings, including a 2-0 win in the group stage this season. That alone should give Arsenal fans a glimmer of hope—especially considering the Londoners have shown they can frustrate PSG’s stars when organised.
That said, form favours the French champions. Despite only two wins in their last six games across competitions, PSG have made the Parc a fortress in Europe this season. Their ability to start fast and feed off the home crowd’s energy could make the difference.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are wobbling slightly. Three games without a win, and the creativity has dried up at the wrong time. But this is the Champions League—a platform for heroes. The Gunners will need every ounce of composure, resilience, and clinical edge to pull off what would be a famous European comeback.
Tactics & Key Battles
Here’s where the chess match begins. PSG love to stretch play with width and raw pace. Bradley Barcola is expected to replace the injured Dembele, and he’ll be a major threat down the flanks. With Kvaratskhelia floating and Hakimi bombing forward, Arsenal’s full-backs will need to be laser-focused.
In midfield, Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha, and Neves will look to control tempo and exploit Arsenal’s defensive transitions. But here’s the good news for Gooners: Thomas Partey is back. The Ghanaian’s presence offers a massive boost. His ability to shield the defence and free up Declan Rice to push forward could tilt the balance in Arsenal’s favour.
It’s also a big night for Martin Ødegaard, who needs to impose himself and thread passes that split PSG’s backline. With Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli cutting inside and sniffing for chances, the Gunners do have the firepower to cause damage.
Players to Watch
Bradley Barcola (PSG) – He scored against Strasbourg at the weekend and will be full of confidence. His movement and finishing will test Arsenal’s backline.
Declan Rice (Arsenal) – Scored in the Premier League on the weekend and thrives in big games. If he drives forward, he could disrupt PSG’s rhythm.
Donnarumma (PSG) – His saves in the first leg were huge. Arsenal will test him again, and he’ll need to be just as sharp.
Saka & Martinelli (Arsenal) – This is their time to shine. If they get isolated against PSG’s fullbacks, they’ll be licking their lips.
This tie is far from over. Yes, PSG have the upper hand. Yes, they’re at home. But Arsenal have a history of bouncing back and love playing with their backs against the wall. If they can survive the early onslaught and find a goal before half-time, this tie flips on its head.
Expect a fast start, a few nervy moments, and at least one stunner. But ultimately, PSG’s experience and quality at home might just edge it.
Arne Slot’s dominant squad celebrated their title win last Sunday with a commanding victory over Tottenham at Anfield, while the Gunners continue their fight to secure second place for the third consecutive year. ..Continue Reading
Despite falling behind Liverpool in the standings, Arsenal has performed admirably against the league’s top sides and held their own in a thrilling 2-2 draw against the champions earlier this season, with Mohamed Salah’s late equalizer salvaging a point for the Reds.
Mikel Arteta’s men remain unbeaten against the rest of England’s elite and have enjoyed a smooth path through the Champions League knockout rounds—until Tuesday, when Inter became the first team to defeat them in Europe this season.
Now, Arsenal faces a major challenge in their quest for a place in the final in Munich, after Ousmane Dembele’s decisive goal secured a first-leg victory for Paris Saint-Germain.
PSG has developed significantly since their 2-0 defeat to Arsenal earlier this season, leading Saka to declare them the strongest side he has encountered all campaign.
‘100% they were like a different team,’ said Saka in an interview with Sky Sports, when asked to rate PSG’s performance in midweek.
‘I know they only changed two players from the line-up against us previously but how much cohesion they have, how they flow, how they move the ball they were a lot better and they impressed me to be fair.
‘I would say so probably yes. They have a lot of threat up at the top end of the pitch and I think in the midfield as well they keep the ball really well and try and make you run. I don’t think anyone likes to run if I’m honest’.
Saka got the better of his opponent Nuno Mendes when the two clashed back in October, but it was a far more even contest in midweek.
‘It was a good battle, he’s a top full-back he’s so quick,’ said Saka. ‘I enjoy those battles and look forward to going against next week.’
Despite a far from ideal scenario heading to the Parc des Princes, the England star remains confident his team are capable of raising their game and overturning a one-goal deficit.
He said: ‘I think it’s important to stay calm but obviously we know we have another level to go and I think we’re going to show it in Paris and I’m confident we can turn it around.
‘It was tough to find space, they put a lot of bodies around me, they defended well and I’m looking at the space I can find in the second leg.’
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes, considered one of the best midfielders England has ever produced, believes ARSENAL star Martin Odegaard is ‘brilliant’ but says he would benefit from playing with a ‘a proper centre forward’.
Arsenal have been playing brilliantly in recent weeks and picked up some stunning results, most recently that shock 5-1 in over Premier League Champions Manchester City, which sent shockwaves throughout Europe.
Gabriel Jesus is once again out for the rest of the season, while Kai Havertz is not a striker that can score 25-30 goals a season, and many hope that Arsenal will eventually delve into that transfer kitty to try and add a better forward to that front line.
The likes of Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, Dusan Vlahovic and Yoane Wissa have all been linked with a move to the Emirates, as well as Ollie Watkins and Alexander Isak, And Scholes believes that Odegaard will become even better if the Gunners sign a proper centre forward.
‘Imagine him with a centre forward, though. With a proper centre forward,’ Scholes said on The Overlap when discussing Odegaard’s form at Arsenal.
‘Martin Odegaard is a brilliant player, he can put a ball anywhere he wants. He hasn’t got that in front of him, a No. 10 needs that in front of him.
‘I don’t think Kai Havertz is that type of player, even though he might make the odd run here and there.
‘You’re thinking Isak or Duran, the lad from Villa, if he had that in front of him, it makes him become a better player as well because he’s move involved with goals.’
Reporter Iomie Stanley says…
ARSENAL needs a striker, what they have right now will not win that Premier League of Champions League title, they need to invest in somebody that can lead that front-line and put away chances that come easily.
Odegaard is brilliant and a creative genius, if he had Sesko, Isak or even Watkins ahead of him, his numbers would go through the roof, Arsenal need to sign someone in the summer after failing to sign anybody in January.
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes, considered one of the best midfielders England has ever produced, believes ARSENAL star Martin Odegaard is ‘brilliant’ but says he would benefit from playing with a ‘a proper centre forward’.
Arsenal have been playing brilliantly in recent weeks and picked up some stunning results, most recently that shock 5-1 in over Premier League Champions Manchester City, which sent shockwaves throughout Europe.
Gabriel Jesus is once again out for the rest of the season, while Kai Havertz is not a striker that can score 25-30 goals a season, and many hope that Arsenal will eventually delve into that transfer kitty to try and add a better forward to that front line.
The likes of Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, Dusan Vlahovic and Yoane Wissa have all been linked with a move to the Emirates, as well as Ollie Watkins and Alexander Isak, And Scholes believes that Odegaard will become even better if the Gunners sign a proper centre forward.
‘Imagine him with a centre forward, though. With a proper centre forward,’ Scholes said on The Overlap when discussing Odegaard’s form at Arsenal.
‘Martin Odegaard is a brilliant player, he can put a ball anywhere he wants. He hasn’t got that in front of him, a No. 10 needs that in front of him.
‘I don’t think Kai Havertz is that type of player, even though he might make the odd run here and there.
‘You’re thinking Isak or Duran, the lad from Villa, if he had that in front of him, it makes him become a better player as well because he’s move involved with goals.’
Reporter Iomie Stanley says…
ARSENAL needs a striker, what they have right now will not win that Premier League of Champions League title, they need to invest in somebody that can lead that front-line and put away chances that come easily.
Odegaard is brilliant and a creative genius, if he had Sesko, Isak or even Watkins ahead of him, his numbers would go through the roof, Arsenal need to sign someone in the summer after failing to sign anybody in January.
Ian Wright says he was ‘pleased’ ARSENAL at least made an attempt to sign Ollie Watkins this winter, as the Gunners made a last minute move to sign the Aston Villa star on deadline day.
Fans have been calling for the Gunners to strengthen in the final third in recent weeks, especially after injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus. But Arsenal were unable to bring in any players in the final days of the window, and Mikel Arteta has admitted he is unhappy with his lack of options up front.
The likes of Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, Dusan Vlahovic and Yoane Wissa were all linked in recent weeks, as well as Ollie Watkins and Alexander Isak, but Wright believes it was ‘always going to be tough’ for Arsenal to bring in the calibre of player they desired.
‘It was always going to be tough for us. Isak wasn’t even an option,’ the legendary ex-Arsenal striker said on the Wrighty’s House podcast.
‘When we’re talking about strikers, it’s a gamble and I don’t care who you are. Darwin Nunez, Rasmus Hojlund… Isak went for £63m, he’s the only one in recent times that I’m looking at as a striker who has probably doubled his money.
‘You look at Nicolas Jackson. For £32m, I’m happy with that. But when you start getting past £50m, you have to start thinking that it’s a pure gamble.
‘They’re hoping that it works and I don’t think Arsenal can afford to do that. That’s probably why they went for a 29-year-old in Ollie Watkins or Villa tried to get him to come to us, whatever it was.
‘As a club, I don’t think we can afford to take the chance on those kind of signings hitting or missing. It has to hit with Arsenal and this is why it’s so tough.
‘I’ve always thought it was so difficult to get somebody in January. Who is going to leave at that stage who is the calibre of player you want? We’re going to have to see something in the summer.’
Reporter Iomie Stanley says…
‘ARSENAL f****d up by not signing a new striker in the January window, they had the whole month to make moves, they could have got Jhon Duran for just £54 million if they made an offer, but now, they waited until deadline day to make moves.
‘If Arsenal wants to win that title, they need a striker, someone that can score 30 goals a season, they have players that can create chances, but Kai Havertz is not good enough and it could cost them come the end of the season.’
