"Attentive": Man Utd ready to initiate talks for £68m striker on one condition - report

Manchester United are poised to sign a marquee striker during this summer’s transfer window.

The Red Devils struggled in the final third of the pitch last season and managed just 44 goals in the Premier League.

The club need an upgrade on Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, who scored just seven league goals.

United suffered a huge setback yesterday as Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres made it clear that he would prefer to join Arsenal and play in the Champions League.

However, A Bola (page 18) claim that the Red Devils have not ended their interest in him. They are ‘attentive’ to the ongoing negotiations between Arsenal and Sporting CP.

Gyokeres obviously wants to ‘move to London’ this summer, but a deal with the Gunners is not guaranteed, given they are also looking at RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.

A Bola report that United have not given up in their pursuit of Gyokeres, but they will only consider moving towards a negotiation if Arsenal ‘end up out of the race’.

United must move on from Gyokeres this summer

The Sweden international had a sensational 2024/25 campaign with the Portuguese champions. He accumulated a staggering tally of 54 goals and 13 assists from 52 appearances.

Gyokeres is ready to pursue a bigger challenge this summer. Sporting CP are prepared to sanction his sale for £68 million, but United no longer have an advantage in the transfer pursuit.

The 27-year-old wants to play Champions League football, which United can’t offer. He is leaning towards a move to the Gunners, who are undecided over their next striker.

There is a possibility that Arsenal could choose to land Sesko instead of him. This could open up an opportunity for United, but we believe the club should seek an alternative.

Earlier this year, head coach Ruben Amorim clearly emphasised that he would prefer to recruit players who want to join United rather than just play in the Champions League.

With Juventus also interested in signing Gyokeres (as per A Bola), there is a chance that he could prefer them next, considering they have qualified for the elite European competition too.

United must avoid an extended transfer saga and should shift targets. Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike would be a good acquisition due to his potential, but he could cost a hefty £85m.

Napoli star Victor Osimhen would also be an ideal target with his experience. He is available for a £64m release clause, but his £350,000 per week wages could prove a major stumbling block.

In our view, Osimhen could still be convinced to move to the Premier League. He dreams of joining the Red Devils. The Nigerian star could be persuaded to reduce his salary demands.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .