After Mbeumo, Man Utd now in the "first line" alongside Arsenal to sign £59m striker - report

Manchester United are poised to sign a new striker during the summer transfer window.

The Red Devils had a dismal 2024/25 Premier League campaign, as they finished 15th with 42 points.

Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee netted just seven league goals for the season.

The Red Devils need a significant upgrade on the young duo, and O Jogo (page 10) claim that United, Arsenal and Napoli are among the clubs in the ‘first line’ to sign Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres.

The Sweden international is certain to leave Sporting CP for around £59 million.

Man Utd could change Gyokeres’ Champions League stance

The Red Devils suffered a disappointing 1-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final.

As a result, they also failed to qualify for the league phase of next season’s Champions League.

It was initially predicted as a potential deal-breaker for the club, but that has not proven to be the case.

United have already secured an agreement to land Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Last night, David Ornstein confirmed that Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo has decided that ‘he wants to join’ United amid interest from Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United.

The Red Devils are expected to open talks with the Bees soon to finalise a transfer agreement.

Gyokeres told manager Ruben Amorim last month that he would ‘only consider joining‘ United if they are guaranteed Champions League football by winning the Europa League final.

However, we believe the player’s stance could still change. With Mbeumo prepared to link up with Cunha at Old Trafford, Gyokeres could be persuaded to reunite with Amorim this summer.

The Swede had a sensational 2024/25 campaign at Sporting CP, registering 54 goals and 13 assists from 52 outings. He has been exceptional since his move to Portugal from Coventry City.

Amorim played a big part in his transformation into a potent goalscoring striker. He will face a sterner challenge in the Premier League, but a 20-25 goal season would see United challenging at the top.

Aside from his goals, Gyokeres has also been brilliant with his movement and ability to create big chances for his teammates. He would be the perfect striker and could replace Hojlund.

It remains to be seen whether United can convince the marksman to make the switch.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .