Manchester United have three strikers they have been showing significant interest in, as Viktor Gyökeres agrees a five-year contract at Arsenal.
Manchester United are looking to revamp their attack this summer after a disappointing 2024/25 season, which saw them finish 15th in the Premier League, with a lack of goals proving to be a major issue throughout the campaign.
Bruno Fernandes finished as the club’s top scorer with 19 goals, while Alejandro Garnacho and Amad each netted 11. Rasmus Højlund added 10, but no other player reached double figures in any competition.
The Reds have already completed the £62.5 million signing of Matheus Cunha and are progressing in talks with Brentford over a deal for Bryan Mbeumo. Negotiations are ongoing between the two clubs as they work to reach a full agreement for the Cameroon international.
United are also actively pursuing a new centre-forward. While Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres had been a priority target, the Swedish striker is now believed to have agreed personal terms on a five-year deal with Arsenal, with a transfer between the clubs expected to follow.
With Gyökeres no longer a viable option, United will now shift their focus to other potential targets in the striker market, with three players being the focus of interest.
#1 – Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike
Hugo Ekitike is the most expensive target who has been routinely on United’s striker radar. The French 22-year-old scored a fantastic 22 goals and provided 12 assists in 48 appearances last term, cementing himself as a top talent.
Although reports have suggested Eintracht Frankfurt are demanding around £85 million for the player this summer, there have also been suggestions that they may be willing to do a deal closer to £60 million.
United have reportedly been in positive dialogue with Ekitike’s camp, with there being a positive indication that the club could secure him for less than the £85 million stance.
#2 – Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins
With Amorim wanting to add Premier League experience to his starting XI this summer, another striker who the club have shown concrete interest in is Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.
United initially enquired about the availability of 29-year-old Watkins during talks with Villa about the future of Marcus Rashford, with the Birmingham club refusing to rule out a transfer for the striker this summer.
Although their financial worries have since subsided, “phenomenal” Watkins is said to be open to a move to Old Trafford, although Villa’s demands have been set as high as £60 million.
This fee will have to be lowered before United enter meaningful talks for the player, which may only happen if Watkins starts to force a move.
Read More: Manchester United stance on Benjamin Šeško transfer amid Viktor Gyökeres agreeing Arsenal terms
#3 – Genk’s Tolu Arokodare
Tolu Arokodare is more of a wildcard option for United, but the club have been linked with the 24-year-old Nigerian international, who is available for around £20 million.
Arokodare recently admitted that United would be a dream destination for him, as he supported the club as a child, and director of football Jason Wilcox is said to appreciate the striker.
Standing at six feet and six inches, Arokodare would no doubt be a fantastic physical presence up front for United, and his 23 goals and seven assists last season do a lot to credence his growing abilities.
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