Fabrizio Romano has stated that one of Manchester United’s current transfer targets is “almost impossible” to sign unless the deal’s conditions change.
Manchester United are preparing to revamp their forward line this summer after a dismal 2024/25 season that saw them finish 15th in the Premier League, with their lack of cutting edge in front of goal a major factor in their struggles.
Bruno Fernandes finished as the club’s top scorer with 19 goals, while Alejandro Garnacho and Amad each netted 11. Rasmus Højlund scored 10, but no other player reached double figures in any competition.
United have already secured the £62.5 million signing of Matheus Cunha and are making progress in negotiations for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo. A base fee of £55 million has reportedly been agreed, and the two clubs are now working on the structure of the add-ons. The Cameroon international is expected to undergo a medical this week.
The search for a central striker also continues. Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres had been a top target, but the Swedish forward has reportedly indicated that his priority is a move to Arsenal, prompting United to consider other options.
Romano explains why Ekitike deal is “almost impossible”
With Gyökeres looking elsewhere for the time being, another striker target who United greatly appreciate and are interested in is 22-year-old French star Hugo Ekitike.
However, his club Eintracht Frankfurt have set his asking price at around €100 million, which equates to £85 million. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has explained that this makes Ekitike’s move “almost impossible” for United to complete.
“Man United are not going to pay €100 million for the striker,” Romano said on his YouTube channel. “So, [unless] Eintracht drop the price, this story for United is almost impossible.
“United are looking at different pricing also because they are confident to sign Bryan Mbeumo, and they will not invest crazy money on the striker. Has to be a good deal, a good opportunity.”
United have added Watkins to their radar
Speaking further, Romano explained that, instead, United have turned their heads to the possibility of signing Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa this summer.
Wakins has been a stellar striker since signing for the Birmingham outfit in 2020, having scored 87 goals and registered 42 assists in 223 appearances for the club. With Amorim looking for goalscoring Premier League experience this summer, the 29-year-old could be a valuable asset to bring to United.
“It’s true, as reported today by The Athletic, that Manchester United made an inquiry for Ollie Watkins,” Romano furthered. “Man United made a call in the last 2-3 days to understand the situation of Ollie Watkins. He is one of the names under consideration at Manchester United.
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“So, let’s see if Man United will decide to invest on a younger striker or experienced option like Ollie Watkins. But they made a call to be informed of the situation, to be informed of the conditions of the deal. And so, the interest from Manchester United in Ollie Watkins is confirmed.”
Watkins has 75 goals and 36 assists in 184 Premier League appearances to his name, and would be a fantastic addition to play alongside Cunha and Mbeumo, with Amorim in desperate need of goals.
However, reports earlier in the window suggested that Villa may be asking for at least £60 million for the player this summer, which is far too high for United’s budget.
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