After a week of twists and turns around Viktor Gyokeres, Manchester United have now got their answer.
Ruben Amorim wants a new striker, and top of his list is the Sporting CP superstar who bagged 54 goals in 2024-25.
Manchester United have considered many options, but for the past fortnight, Viktor Gyokeres appeared to be priority number one. Fabrizio Romano claimed United were calling every day for the Swede.
However, now Romano has reported that Gyokeres’ priority this summer is to join Arsenal instead of United. Arsenal sees Gyokeres as an option, which makes it bizarre that he would make a decision now instead of waiting.
United reportedly remain keen on Gyokeres, but Romano points out that a deal is now unlikely. This isn’t something to lose sleep over, with alternative options on the market. Here are seven ways United can fill the number nine role next season without Gyokeres.
Victor Osimhen
One potential striker signing for United, who would be drastically better than Gyokeres, is Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, who is on the transfer list this summer.
United and Osimhen are both keen on the transfer, while Osimhen won’t be requesting a massive wage beyond the realms of possibility.
Osimhen rejected an offer from Saudi Arabia, and it is known to be prioritising a move to England. With Premier League options running out, United could be very well placed.
This would be an incredible signing, one that makes a lot of sense.
Hugo Ekitike
Next on our list is another signing, which would be a vast improvement on signing Gyokeres, is Hugo Ekitike, with the Frenchman emerging as a serious candidate for United.
Ekitke scored 22 goals and assisted 12 last season, which is only the beginning for him. Additionally, Ekitike has been likened to Kobe Bryant for his immense mentality, which is high praise.
It has been reported that United are accelerating talks for Ekitike, which has come as Gyokeres’ decision emerged, which could suggest this deal is potentially on the cards.
Jean-Philippe Mateta
One option closer to home for United and more fitting with the Premier League-centric transfer plan would be Jean-Philippe Mateta.
It has been reported this summer that United are looking to sign Mateta if he and Crystal Palace cannot agree on contract terms.
United sees Mateta as a 20-goal-a-season striker, with a lot of improvement left in him. This deal would be smart if United could agree to £30m or so, with the Palace striker among the most underrated currently in the league.
Mateta backed up by youth would be a really strong group for Amorim.
Lorenzo Lucca
This one is slightly left field, but if Amorim wants a striker with presence and solid technical abilities, then Udinese’s Lorenzo Lucca might be an interesting option for United.
Lucca is huge, standing at 6ft 7in, and would cost less than £30m. United have been linked with Lucca as well, which means he will be on the radar.
The Italian scored 14 goals last season; however, United will be wary of this as it is a record resembling two previous striker signings, including Rasmus Hojlund.
Mateo Retegui
Atalanta’s sensational striker, Mateo Retegui, had a brilliant campaign, which saw him become one of Europe’s most interesting strikers. The Argentine is 26, yet has only really announced himself this season.
United have enquired about Retegui, with Atalanta valuing him at £51m, which is entirely fair after he scored 28 goals, including 25 in Serie A.
This would be a deal that is left field and probably unlikely considering other options are better suited; however, his unique skillset certainly means he should be considered.
Benjamin Sesko
If Arsenal do go on to sign Gyokeres, then United could also potentially swoop for the Gunners’ other striker target, RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.
Sesko has been watched by Christopher Vivell in recent months, having already signed him once in his career in transfers.
It has been claimed that United are set to rival Arsenal for Sesko, and so it would be no shock to see this transpire now Gyokeres looks unlikely.
Sesko would be a massive risk, but the reward could also be massive if he can translate his football to England.
Joshua Zirkzee and Chido Obi
Technically, this is two, but if United are unable to sign a top target, it might be worth dedicating the funds elsewhere. United have several positions to strengthen, and with Matheus Cunha signed and Bryan Mbeumo possibly next, a striker wouldn’t necessarily be imperative.
United think Joshua Zirkzee could excel next to Cunha and Mbeumo, as the front three would be very dynamic, benefiting the Dutchman as he relies on partnerships for link-up play.
Meanwhile, 17-year-old Chido Obi is looking likely to play a part next season, and with so much creativity behind him, he would have the best chance of immediate success in the first team.
This being said, this would be option Z, only in the case no top choices are available, instead of wasting money on a player like Moise Kean, we should stick with the current options and hope new 10s can make a difference.
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