Manchester United’s striker hunt has taken a sharp turn following a major setback in their pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres. The Swedish forward has reportedly rejected a move to Old Trafford, leaving the Red Devils scrambling to find alternatives.
Gyokeres, who lit up the season with 54 goals in 52 games for Sporting, has chosen Arsenal as his preferred destination. Despite United manager Ruben Amorim’s strong connection with the striker, reports from Portugal suggest Gyokeres has his sights set on Champions League football and a title-challenging project under Mikel Arteta.
While Arsenal gear up to strengthen their squad after reaching last season’s Champions League semi-finals, Manchester United find themselves regrouping after finishing a miserable 15th in the league. With no European football next season, their appeal to top-tier talent has taken a significant hit.
In response, United have already pivoted to two new striker targets: Hugo Ekitike and Victor Osimhen. Ekitike, 22, is coming off a breakout campaign at Eintracht Frankfurt and is also attracting attention from Chelsea and Liverpool. Frankfurt are demanding around £84 million, a fee that may complicate any potential move unless negotiations bring it down.
Frankfurt’s sporting director, Markus Krosche, recently stated that the club won’t be pressured into selling. “If the price isn’t right, then he’ll just stay with us,” he said, signaling firm resistance to lowball offers.
Meanwhile, Osimhen, currently under contract with Napoli but fresh from a loan spell at Turkish champions Galatasaray, has re-emerged as a viable target. The 26-year-old Nigerian forward has rejected interest from Saudi Arabia, instead making it clear he wants to continue competing at the highest level in Europe.
Manchester United are reportedly exploring a potential swap deal involving Joshua Zirkzee to secure Osimhen’s services. Given Osimhen’s proven quality and desire for top-level football, he fits the profile of a striker capable of transforming United’s front line.
Before Gyokeres opted for Arsenal, Alan Shearer had tipped United to land the striker, noting the natural connection with Amorim. But with that chapter seemingly closed, Amorim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe are recalibrating their plans quickly.
United also remain locked in competition with Tottenham for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo. With Thomas Frank now at Spurs, the race for the in-form winger adds another layer of urgency to United’s summer rebuild.
With high-profile targets slipping away and no European football to offer, Manchester United face an uphill battle in the transfer market — and must act swiftly if they’re to equip Amorim with the firepower needed to spark a revival.