Arsenal have been told to beat Man Utd for the signing of Viktor Gyokeres after the Sporting Lisbon striker was called a “better version of Erling Haaland”.

Gyokeres scored a hat-trick and Sporting beat Man City 4-1 in a humiliating defeat for the Premier League champions in Portugal on Tuesday night.

New Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim planned the victory over Man City and the Portuguese manager will not join the Red Devils until November 11.

And there have already been rumors that Amorim could take several of his Sporting players, including Gyokeres, to Old Trafford.

The Sweden international has attracted a lot of interest from a number of Premier League clubs after scoring 43 goals in 50 games in all competitions last season.

And Gyokeres’ hat-trick against Manchester City on Tuesday night took his tally for the season to 23 in just 17 games in all competitions.

Former Tottenham star Rafael van der Vaart praised Gyokeres after the match, describing him as a “better version of Erling Haaland”.

and ex Arsenal Striker Alan Smith believes the Gunners should compete against Man Utd and any other club trying to buy Gyokereres in January or summer.

Smith said Instant Casino: “I think having a more orthodox center forward than Kai Havertz would add to the Arsenal squad. I’m sure Arsenal tried to sign one in the summer, but there aren’t many available, and if they do exist, they will cost a lot of money. A quality center forward in January would be brilliant for the club if they want to fight for the title.

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“Sporting’s Viktor Gyökeres is a fashionable player, right? Ruben Amorim may have eyes on him for Manchester United, but he is young, has that profile that Arsenal need and has been scoring goals for fun so far this season. At the moment, you’d think he’s the one making waves, so I’d like to see Arsenal do something for him.

“Havertz has had a very good season so far – scoring goals and leading the line well – but having that more direct presence in the middle would certainly be a great option for Mikel Arteta. “It clearly wasn’t going to be for Arsenal in the summer when it comes to signing a striker, so let’s see what they can do in January.”

It was announced earlier this week that Edu would be leaving his position as director of football at Arsenal, but Smith does not believe that will derail the club.

Smith added: “I don’t think Edu’s departure as sporting director will interfere with Arsenal’s on-field results. The dressing room won’t be too worried, I’m sure the wheels are already in motion preparing for both the January and summer transfer windows.

“However, they have to find the right person who has a certain quality. Arteta is so determined that I think he will just focus on the team and how they can improve throughout the season. “It won’t affect them on the field.”

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