Manchester United are reportedly aware that Viktor Gyökeres signing for Arsenal gives them the chance to pursue another one of their targets.
Manchester United are planning a significant overhaul of their attack this summer after a disappointing 2024/25 season that saw them finish 15th in the Premier League, with a lack of goals undermining their campaign.
Bruno Fernandes was the club’s top scorer with 19 goals, followed by Alejandro Garnacho and Amad with 11 apiece. Rasmus Højlund added 10, but no other player reached double figures in any competition.
The club have already completed the £62.5 million signing of Matheus Cunha and are continuing negotiations with Brentford over a deal for Bryan Mbeumo. Talks remain ongoing as both sides work toward an agreement for the Cameroon international.
United are also in the market for a central striker. Viktor Gyökeres had been high on their list, but the Sporting CP forward has reportedly agreed personal terms on a five-year contract with Arsenal, with a deal between the clubs expected to follow.
With Gyökeres off the table, United are now exploring alternative options to strengthen their attack.
United aware of Gyökeres to Arsenal benefit
Although Gyökeres had been touted as a significant target for United, transfer journalist Graeme Bailey has reported that Amorim’s side have been aware of his preference for Arsenal, meaning his new deal has not had a significant impact on their transfer plans.
Further, Bailey has explained that United are aware that it helps clear the path for the pursuit of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Šeško, who United have been known to appreciate.
“United have been aware that Gyokeres was aiming for Arsenal for a number of weeks – people close to him have been briefing that for some time,” Bailey told UnitedInFocus.
“At no point did Gyokeres say no to anyone, but it was known that Arsenal was his most likely destination and has been for some time.
“It does not impact United’s search overly. Potentially, it allows them to make a move for Benjamin Sesko, but with RB Leipzig and their price, that looks a bit too steep for United, to say the least.”
United must avoid signing Šeško this summer
While the appeal of playing for United remains strong — as highlighted by Cunha and Mbeumo — Šeško may simply be out of the club’s financial reach.
Although it’s long been known that Leipzig are open to selling him for a fair price this summer, several reports suggest that fee could be as high as £85 million — well beyond what United can afford.
As a result, Rúben Amorim’s side are likely to explore other striker options. Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins has been mentioned in recent links, but with the Birmingham club demanding around £60 million for the 29-year-old England international, United are hesitant to meet that valuation.
Former Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, now a free agent, has also been considered, but his high wage demands could be a stumbling block unless Amorim fails to land his preferred targets.
Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is released every Wednesday at 6 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.