Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has identified Sporting CP revelation Viktor Gyokeres and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen as the leading attacking targets of the summer transfer window. The Red Devils are keen to improve their attacking department, and it is confirmed by sources at GIVEMESPORT that both strikers are indeed highly rated on the club's radar.
Attacking reinforcements have now become necessary after Manchester United could not provide Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee with a competitive partner during the winter transfer window. Despite having signed left-back Patrick Dorgu for £30 million from Lecce, the Red Devils failed to seal the transfer of attacking reinforcement.
Both have been performing tremendously for their clubs in recent times, and this performance has earned them commendation from football analysts and managers alike. Jose Mourinho, the former manager of Manchester United, described Osimhen as 'world-class,' while Gyokeres has proved to be a prolific goal-scorer at Sporting CP. Their performances make them top in the transfer targets for the Manchester United manager, Amorim.
Man Utd target Gyokeres, Osimhen to reshape attack
The Red Devils have been getting ready for the next season, and Amorim has made his intention known that he wants Gyokeres and Osimhen first. But the signing of the two first-class strikers might be out of the budget range of the club due to financial limitation at Old Trafford.
Manchester United took some measures to ease their wage bill during the winter window, sending players like Marcus Rashford, who joined Aston Villa on an initial loan deal. With at least 75% of Rashford's salary covered by Villa and Antony off to Real Betis on loan, the club has managed to reduce its financial burden. Even with those, Manchester United is still wary about possible breaches of the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules.
While both Gyokeres and Osimhen are in high demand by Manchester United, sources close to the matter reveal that financial issues will prevent them from securing their signing. Both ask for expensive salaries, and transfers for either target are not likely to be below the asking value their respective clubs want.
The Red Devils are aware that the signing of Gyokeres means his release clause, which is above £84 million, has to be activated. The former Sporting CP boss is eager to reunite with the Swedish striker at Old Trafford. As for Osimhen, he is likely to be close to £63 million once he returns to Napoli at the end of his loan deal with Galatasaray.
While Manchester United's interest in both players is real, the club has to work out some financial issues to capture their signatures. The high costs involved in acquiring two elite strikers could limit the Red Devils' ability to make other necessary reinforcements in the squad.
Apart from Manchester United, both Gyokeres and Osimhen will be in high demand from other leading European clubs. With such high-scoring records, their availability will be watched with interest across the Premier League and beyond in the summer transfer window.
Why Gyokeres and Osimhen Are Perfect Fits for Manchester United
The Red Devils have struggled for attacking consistency this term, and the inclusion of prolific goal-scorers like Osimhen and Gyokeres can perhaps turn their front line around. Here's why these two forwards are tailor-made for the Red Devils:
- Viktor Gyokeres – Sporting CP's Goal Machine
Gyokeres has been in sensational form ever since his time with Sporting CP from Coventry City. Thus, the Swede has provided great finishing and hold-up display, excellent in movement inside the final third; his physical presence and aerial prowess make him very difficult to combat for any opposition defenders, especially one that is needed for the attacking setup in Manchester United.
With Amorim's system allowing Gyokeres to shine at Sporting, a reunion at Old Trafford could see him excelling in the Premier League. He scored from every position available to him, and his work rate to press and harry defenders is just what Manchester United need from an attacking player in this team.
- Victor Osimhen – A Proven Goal-Scorer at the Highest Level
He has established himself as one of the most lethal strikers in Europe. After helping Napoli win the Serie A title, Nigerian forward Osimeh has continued his incredible form with the ball finding the back of the net through him. With pace that is blistering, a sharp finish, and holding off defenders, he will be just perfect for the Premier League.
Osimhen has that clinical edge, something Manchester United have very much been lacking in their striker since Romelu Lukaku left. Adding at Old Trafford, he is a natural goalscorer; big games are taken care of too.
Manchester United's Transfer Strategy Moving Forwards
The thought of FFP regulations would allow Manchester United only to make judicious signings in the market. If signing both Gyokeres and Osimhen proves to be a little too expensive, then one will have to make way for the other.
Here are some situations that could play out:
Signing Gyokeres First: This would give Manchester United a proven striker with familiarity in Amorim's tactics, thus able to immediately begin integrating into the squad much quicker.
Waiting on Osimhen's Situation: If Napoli drop their price or accept some sort of structured payment arrangement, Osimhen might fall within Manchester United's grasp.
Other strikers Manchester United can consider if the first choice doesn't work out include Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus and Jonathan David of Lille.
Will Manchester United Get Their Top Targets?
While the Red Devils are eager for Gyokeres and Osimhen, respectively, financial difficulties and interference by rivalry will make the pursuit hard. How well Manchester United can free up more funds from player sales and sponsorship deals will be critical to how this summer transfer window shapes up.
With Amorim keen to bolster his squad, the coming months will be a period of much interest for the Manchester United fans. If they secure one or both of these strikers, then they might just have a fighting chance for some major honors next season.
For the latest Manchester United transfer news, follow this page in the coming months as the summer window approaches!
