Manchester United are expected to sign a striker this summer no matter what happens with Rasmus Hojlund and have set their sights on a highly rated 22-year-old.
Ruben Amorim is said to be desperate to bring a striker into the club this summer to address the lack of goals among the front line early on in his reign so far, and Manchester United reportedly hold an advantage for one player who is said to be high up the list internally.
The Reds face competition from Arsenal, who are also looking to address their center-forward woes, and Liverpool, who are reportedly set to part ways with Darwin Núñez as well as Diogo Jota possibly leaving the club when the window opens.
In regards to the striker, who has scored 13 goals in the Bundesliga this season, United are said to hold a unique advantage in the race for his signature.
United hold advantage to signing Hugo Ekitike
United hold a unique advantage in the race for signing Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike. The French U21 international, who has been linked to United, has found form this season after a difficult period at PSG and is now being approached by some of the biggest clubs in Europe.
United, according to the report, hold an advantage in the race for the Frenchman due to the fact he grew up supporting the club. The £60m price tag may prove difficult for the club to match due to the PSR issues they are trying to evade in recent months, but if Ekitike pushes for a move to United, Frankfurt may be forced to lower the fee.
This may be difficult, however, as PSG has a 20% sell-on clause inserted in the player’s contract, which would likely point towards the German club asking for as much as they possibly can to try and maximize profits.
United will face competition from Arsenal and Liverpool, who might be able to spend that bit more cash when the time comes due to the differences in their finances when compared with those of the club from Manchester.
United need experience
While Ekitike is a very talented player, the weight of the United jersey is no easy thing to carry. Højlund was a highly rated player upon arrival at Old Trafford but has begun to feel the pressure of being United’s number nine at such a young age in recent months.
The club may be best served by signing a more experienced striker for Hojlund to grow and learn from. Victor Gyökeres is an obvious link, but recent months have suggested that United are expected to be looking elsewhere.
Jonathan Burkardt has been linked with his performances for Mainz this season, catching the eye of not only United but Bayern Munich as well. At 24 years old, soon to be 25, Burkardt sits right between the perfect blend of young but experienced and would be available for a much cheaper fee than Ekitike.
Alternatively, if they are willing to spend £60m on Ekitike, United could be better served putting £20m extra to someone like Victor Osimhen, who has the quality, experience, and pedigree to push United to that next level.
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