Manchester United’s search for a striker continues, with a number of forwards across Europe being linked with a potential move to the club.
Manchester United have explored several striker options as part of Rúben Amorim’s plans to reshape the squad ahead of next season.
Liam Delap was initially identified as a leading candidate, with his £30 million release clause, triggered by relegation, appealing to the recruitment team. However, he ultimately chose to join Chelsea, reuniting with former Manchester City coach Enzo Maresca.
Following Delap’s decision, United turned their attention to Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. Cunha has already signed, and a deal for Mbeumo is close, but both are expected to play in more advanced midfield roles, meaning the search for a natural centre-forward continues.
Viktor Gyökeres had emerged as a top target to lead the line at Old Trafford, but his situation at Sporting remains complicated, and he may prefer a move that offers Champions League football.
As a result, United have been forced to explore alternative options, including
Dušan Vlahović, who looks likely to leave Juventus this summer. While being linked with the Serbian forward, another Serie A star has joined the list of potential signings in what is set to be a crucial transfer window for the club.
Thuram could leave Inter this summer
Despite signing two strikers from Serie A in Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Højlund, who both underperformed last season, United are looking to go in for a third time to sign a clinical striker.
According to reports from Calcio Mercato, Marcus Thuram could be looking for a new club this summer, after being involved in a public spat following Inter’s exit from the Club World Cup
In a post-match interview, captain Lautaro Martinez questioned the commitment of some of the team, saying, “Anyone who wants to stay must stay, anyone who doesn’t want to stay here should leave.”
While mentioning no names, Inter president suggested he was referring to Hakan Calhanoglu, who is pushing for a move to Galatasaray. Thuram was the only Inter player to like the Turkish midfielder’s defence on Instagram, with Italian media believing a rift has now formed in the dressing room.
“Thuram is popular in the Premier League,” the outlet reported. “The teams potentially interested in the number 9, who has a clause of €85 million [are] Arsenal and Manchester United, who are looking for a centre-forward.
“Thuram’s name could be tempting for the English, but PSG should not be underestimated either, having sought him in 2023, before his free transfer to Inter.”
United can’t afford Thuram outright
Though the reports may prove to be true, it remains very unlikely. Although it’s clear that United are in desperate need of a striker, they don’t have the funds to spend £73 million on one, despite Thuram’s impressive performances last season, including an “insane” goal against Barcelona.
After signing Matheus Cunha for £62.5 million and with Brentford demanding a similar fee for Bryan Mbeumo, United need to focus on selling their want-away players, such as Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford, and Jadon Sancho, as soon as possible.
While Sancho, Antony and Rashford have been linked with another loan move next season, the club need to get these players off the books permanently to free up the wage bill, and increase the small budget that the club currently has.
There is no doubt that Thuram would be an excellent signing, but the fee that Inter are demanding is simply out of United’s scope, and they must find a new No. 9 that is both cost-effective and clinical.
However, Inter have been closely linked with a move for Højlund across the summer window so far, although reports have cooled in the last week. If United were to ignite interest in Thuram, Højlund could easily be used as a make-weight, accelerating the chances of the Dane’s exit.
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