Man Utd in talks for £67m Gyokeres alternative

Manchester United have made some key moves in the transfer market over the last couple of weeks, with Matheus Cunha completing his move to Old Trafford ahead of 2025/26.

The Brazilian could be joined at the club by striker Viktor Gyokeres, who could be reunited with boss Ruben Amorim after previously featuring under him at Sporting CP.

He’s registered 54 goals in his 52 appearances throughout 2024/25, leading to keen interest in his services over the last couple of months, with the Red Devils just one side interested in his signature.

It was reported this week that he would be open to a switch to Old Trafford, with Arsenal another side in the race to land the 27-year-old during the off-season.

However, the club should look past a move for Gyokeres, prioritising a move for another talisman instead, helping the club reach the next level in the near future.

The latest on United’s hunt for a new striker this summer

Despite the window only opening on Sunday, United have wasted no time in pursuing options to help Amorim’s squad within the final third of the pitch at Old Trafford.

Antoine Semenyo, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Liam Delap have all been on their radar over recent weeks, but have missed out on the latter after he agreed a £30m deal with Premier League rivals Chelsea.

However, they could make a move to land Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, who spent the current season on loan at Turkish side Galatasaray, scoring 37 times in 41 appearances across all competitions.

A report from Corriere del Mezzogiorno via Sport Witness confirmed that the Red Devils have been in contact with the Serie A outfit over a deal for the Nigerian, who has a €75m (£67m) release clause in his current deal.

Amorim’s side may have received a boost in their pursuit of the 26-year-old, after he rejected a proposal from Saudi side Al Hilal, with the race for his signature wide open this summer.

Why United’s £67m target could be a great signing for Amorim

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has been a player who has set the Premier League alight over the last couple of seasons, often being a nuisance to countless backlines.

The Norwegian has scored a staggering 121 times in his 142 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side, with six of his efforts coming in eight games against United.

Such a talent doesn’t come around very often, with the Red Devils previously passing up an opportunity to land the talisman under the management of Ole Gunnar Solskjær.

Multiple years on, Haaland is now undoubtedly one of the most dangerous strikers in Europe, highlighting the mistake United’s hierarchy made in not pursuing a move for the 24-year-old.

However, this summer, that could all change with United’s latest target Osimhen, being dubbed “even better than Haaland” by agent Andrea D’Amico in recent months.

When delving into their respective stats this season, the Nigerian has managed to better him in numerous key areas, backing up the statement which may have seemed far-fetched.

Osimhen has scored more goals than Haaland throughout 2024/25, whilst also posting a higher shot on target rate – showcasing the clinical edge he possesses over the Norwegian in front of goal.

He’s also won nearly three times more aerial battles and posting a higher success rate in such a department – handing Amorim the focal point he’s lacked since taking the reins.

The loaner’s dominance hasn’t stopped there, completing nearly two times more take-ons in 2024/25, and having the all-round skillset that would bolster the attacking department at Old Trafford.

After splashing £62.5m on Cunha already this summer, a £67m transfer for Osimhen may seem steep, but it’s one that would transform the side based off his figures from this season.

Should he make the move and get anywhere near close to the levels produced by Haaland in England’s top-flight, it would be an absolute bargain – pushing the club closer towards their former glory.