There is still a merry-go-round of gossip regarding Sporting Lisbon’s striker, Viktor Gyokeres with his agent, Hasan Cetinkaya claiming he has a “gentleman’s agreement” for his client to leave the club for £59million. “Not true” says Sporting president, Frederico Varandas.

The latest news is that the goal machine, Gyokeres, has turned down the chance to reunite with Manchester United boss, Ruben Amorim despite comments from several of his friends who say that he is still considering a career at Old Trafford.

If the rejection news is true, it would mean that United’s ambition to find a new centre forward goals corer would be seriously threatened after losing Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, who chose to move to Chelsea.

Arsenal have stepped into the action as they too are desperate to sign a striker capable of scoring regularly in the Premier League.

The Gunner’s sporting director, Andrea Berta met with Sporting officials during the past few days and made an initial bid of £46.98million with a further £8.5million add-ons related to appearances and performances. Sporting have rejected the offer and continually raised the price, now standing at £70 million.

Sporting’s greed could eventually destroy Gyokeres’ ambition of playing in the Premier League. RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins remain on Arsenal’s radar should a deal for Gyokeres not happen.

United have now switched their attention to Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Eintracht’s Hugo Ekitike. And I was told last week that Osimhen turned down the chance to move to Saudi Pro League team, Al-Hilal.

Tough opening fixtures for Newcastle and Arsenal

Premier League fixtures were released on Wednesday with the season kicking off on August 15. Arsenal and Newcastle have challenging matches with the Gunners away to Manchester United and Liverpool during the first three weeks. Newcastle are away to Aston Villa and at home to Liverpool. The champions, as you can see, have demanding games against two Champions League qualifiers.

Pre-season planning is essential at this stage; and hence, the tour games and home friendlies with so many players switching clubs. There is plenty of time to bring in new players, but working with them and blending into the team, getting to know teammates all take time; and that is a luxury Arsenal don’t have, but Liverpool and Chelsea have already made significant signings.

Cunha says he can be United’s ‘Rooney’

Matheus Cunha is excited to have joined Manchester United and says he can bring the same qualities to the team that made Wayne Rooney so valuable. Cunha has joined for £63million from Wolves and he is Ruben Amorim’s first major signing of the summer.

The Brazilian says he was brought up watching United on TV and especially their all-time record goal scorer who won 16 major trophies at Old Trafford.

He said, “I remember the whole squad at the time I started to watch. Up front Rooney – wow! I think I have a lot of similarities in my game because, like him, I always give everything…he always went to the grass in a slide tackle to take the ball and that kind of energy was a big influence on me. When I used to play in the street with my cousin, we called our pitches Old Trafford.”

Liverpool’s Wirtz arrives as Premier League’s record signing

When Florian Wirtz arrived in the northern seaside town of Blackpool by a private jet last month, everyone assumed he was going to meet Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. However, a closely kept secret was Liverpool and Bayern Munich’s interest in signing him; and his father agent, Hans-Joachim Wirtz, was talking to all three clubs. His close relatives were checking out houses in the Manchester and Liverpool areas and the reason he chose a local airport to land was to keep his trip private.

Although City were the favourites to sign Wirtz, Liverpool started tightening their grip on negotiations but had to be careful not break the financial rules. Bayer Leverkusen still hoped to keep the 22-year-old and offered him an attractive new contract.  However, Wirtz’s friend and club-mate, Jeremie Frimpong, had already signed for Liverpool, so they had the advantage.

Bayern’s coach had talked with Florian but could not convince him where exactly he would fit into his squad. He had already been voted Leverkusen’s player of the season when they won the Bundelsiga title. Having achieved that ambition, he decided to test his skills in the Premier League, which is why he signed for Liverpool for a staggering record of £116 million.

Chelsea shaping up well for the new season

Against MLS side, Los Angeles FC, we had a chance to assess the improvement in Chelsea’s attacking line-up. New boy, Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson impressed. It was Delap who made a sublime pass to Enzo Fernandez, who put the ball in the back of the net. Twenty-two thousand (22,000) fans cheered on at the Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Reece James played for 45 minutes and looked sharp in stopping LA’s energetic Bouanga. Marc Cucurella, one of Chelsea’s most reliable players, ran into an empty space and slotted the ball to Pedro Neto, who scored.

Romeo Lavia was quick and won possession during his 45 minutes. Moises Caicedo played his 55th straight match but was rock as ever; and he will be vital to Chelsea next season. Pedro Neto played on the right and drifted to the left, constantly calling for the ball, he was fired up. Nicolas Jackson showed that even with Delap now in the reckoning to start, he could be about to put in an impressive season.

Passionate Fernandes commits to United

On the pitch Bruno Fernandes is one Manchester United player you cannot take your eyes off. His skills are of the highest quality, whether he is assisting, tackling or shooting for goal. Referees dislike his behaviour on the pitch as they cope with his constant complaining, scowling and emotional outbursts. Teammates also receive their fair share of his over enthusiasm.

One thing you can never doubt is his passion and commitment to United. As captain he leads from the front. He is a different person off the pitch and proved his generosity when offering to pay for United staff to attend the FA Cup final after Sir James Ratcliffe imposed his cost-cutting measures and withdrew all free tickets, travel and accommodation.

To underline the good side of Fernandes’ character, we only have to look at his recent actions. He pledged his allegiance to Old Trafford after receiving an eye-watering offer from Saudi Pro League club, Al Hilal, which would have doubled his current salary.

United would have received approximately £80 million. He said, “It would have been an easy move to make because I would have Ruben Neves and Joao Cancelo there, two people I have a great friendship with. But I want to stay at United, at the highest level and play in big competitions because I still feel I am capable. I want to keep feeling happy, I am still very passionate about this sport and I am happy with my decision. I am certain United’s supporters will also be very happy.”