Manchester United are set to prioritise signing a new striker this summer as Rúben Amorim pushes for his fourth summer signing.
Manchester United are aiming to rebuild their frontline this summer after a disappointing 2024/25 campaign that saw them finish 15th in the Premier League, with a lack of goals playing a key role in their struggles.
Bruno Fernandes finished as the club’s top scorer with 19 goals, while only three other players reached double figures across all competitions.
In an effort to address their goalscoring issues, United have invested £127.5 million to sign wingers Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, who combined for 35 Premier League goals last season. They have also brought in 18-year-old Diego Leon as cover at left wing-back.
With those two attacking reinforcements secured, Rúben Amorim’s side are now focused on bringing in a central striker to lead the line.
United have not made an offer for Gyokeres
Earlier this summer, Sporting CP striker and Amorim favourite Viktor Gyökeres was touted as a high-priority option for the club, but the Swedish striker opted to sign for Arsenal instead.
With a five-year contract with the North London club agreed, the transfer felt secured, although reports have since suggested that Sporting are being difficult in negotiations.
Although it was reported earlier on Sunday across Portuguese media that United had been secretly working on the transfer and that they were close to hijacking a move for the striker, this has now been denied.
According to transfer journalist Ben Jacobs, United have not made any offer for Gyökeres and have no plans to do so, having shut down any possibility of a move earlier in July.
United’s stance on Jackson transfer
Amid United’s want for a new striker, there have been reports that the club are weighing up the possibility of making a move for Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson, instead.
According to the BBC’s Nizaar Kinsella, United have held talks with Jackson’s representative, Ali Barat, surrounding a potential move for the player this summer.
With United having committed significant funding toward securing Cunha and Mbeumo, any move for Jackson would require significant outgoings and fundraising, but the move is possible.
United have already reached an agreement with Barcelona for the loan exit of Marcus Rashford ahead of next season, with the Catalan giants having the option to sign him for between £30-40 million, depending on which reports are to be believed.
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