Arsenal need unlikely ally to rescue summer transfer plans as 'Man Utd ready hijack'

Arsenal need a favour from Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final as Manchester United reportedly circle one of Mikel Arteta's top summer transfer targets. Spurs meet United at the San Mames Stadium on Wednesday night, with both clubs battling to salvage their dreadful seasons.

In the case of the lesser of two evils for Arsenal supporters, the vast majority will hope Ruben Amorim's side come out on top in Bilbao. However, Arteta might need the Gunners' North London rivals to end their 17-year trophy drought, last lifting the 2008 League Cup. United are believed to have their sights set on Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres, also targeted by Arsenal.

United would likely only be able to attract a player of Gyokeres' calibre if they have Champions League football on offer.

With the M16 giants slumped in 16th after 37 Premier League games, Europa League glory represents the last remaining path.

Champions League qualification would also add at least £100m to Amorim's transfer kitty, funding further attacking reinforcements beyond their priority target.

United are reportedly set to sign Wolves' Matheus Cunha once the summer transfer window opens on June 1, having entered an advanced stage in discussions over personal terms.

It's claimed the Old Trafford outfit's budget covers the arrival of Cunha and a striker, with Ipswich Town's Liam Delap in Amorim's sights.

Whether a surprise admission into next season's Champions League would alter the Portuguese tactician's current transfer targets remains to be seen.

If Spurs lift the Europa League and secure their Champions League spot, Gyokeres would almost certainly go beyond United's reach, leaving Arsenal in pole position.

After helping fire Sporting to historic back-to-back titles earlier this month, Gyokeres remained coy on his future.

"It's football, I'm still here," the Sweden international said. "I don't know what's going to happen. Nobody can predict the future."