Rúben Amorim looks set for disappointment this summer as one of Manchester United’s summer targets has reportedly informed friends and family that he expects to sign elsewhere.
Manchester United’s summer transfer window has been very focused on attacking signings, with Rúben Amorim’s side consistently failing to impress up front last campaign.
Bruno Fernandes led the way with 19 goals, while Alejandro Garnacho and Amad both netted 11. Rasmus Højlund added 10, but no other player reached double digits in any competition.
The club have already sealed a £62.5 million deal for Matheus Cunha and are confident of striking an agreement for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo. However, negotiations are proving to be more complicated than initially anticipated.
United are keen on adding a new centre-forward to their ranks, but with first-choice option Liam Delap joining Chelsea, the club have been forced to assess alternative options in the market.
Gyökeres has informed his family about his next destination
Over the last six months, United have been closely linked with Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres, with Amorim reportedly being a big admirer of the star, and has reportedly kept direct contact with the striker since he left Lison
However, according to a fresh report from talkSPORT, the player has now informed his close friends and family that he is expecting to join Arsenal this summer.
“I had a message 24 hours or so ago suggesting that Viktor Gyökeres has told friends and family he expects to join Arsenal,” talkSPORT’s chief football correspondent, Alex Crook, explained.
“We know that Manchester United are interested in signing him as well, obviously, there is that pre-existing relationship with Rúben Amorim.
“But Arsenal can offer Champions League football, maybe can offer a tilt at the title next season.
“But Sporting are going to play hardball, there’s been a fallout between Gyokeres and the club because his agent has suggested that they had a gentleman’s agreement he could leave for £60 million, I think they’re looking for nearer £80 million.
“Arsenal are juggling both him and Benjamin Šeško, they’ve opened talks with Leipzig as well, but at the moment, I would say Gyokeres looks the more likely.”
United do not need to spend big money on a striker this summer
United’s most fundamental issue last season was that, despite being able to create chances, they just could not score any goals in the Premier League
Fernandes created the most chances in the league last season with 91, but also ended as the club’s joint-top scorer in the competition, with just eight to his and Amad’s names.
So, although signing a big-money striker may seem like the obvious priority, if Mbeumo is recruited alongside Cunha, this is suddenly not such a significant issue.
Mbeumo notched 20 in the league last season while Cunha secured himself 15, becoming the joint-highest scoring Brazilian in a single Premier League season. If the pair can keep up their scoring habits, United will be able to finish their chances.
Therefore, it may become more logical for the club to sign a cheaper striker who can compete with Joshua Zirkzee and possibly Rasmus Højlund and spend more cash on a higher-quality midfielder.
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