Man United's 109-goal number one striker priority should be obvious as Viktor Gyokeres dream fades
Man United have been linked to signing Viktor Gyokeres, however, he looks closer to joining Arsenal.
Manchester United have several positions of priority this summer, with arguably the biggest priority being up front after a poor season from Denmark international Rasmus Hojlund.
The Red Devils have been linked to signing Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, who previously played under Ruben Amorim. However, Arsenal have emerged as the front-runners to sign Gyokeres.
He’s scored 39 goals in 33 games for Sporting this season in the league, but now United may have to look elsewhere for their number one striker target, and it should be an obvious choice for United now that Gyokeres looks to be a lost cause.
Why Manchester United should go after Jonathan David
One striker who the Red Devils have been tentatively linked with this summer, is Lille FC’s Jonathan David, who is set to become a free agent at the start of June. He has also been linked to Premier League rivals Liverpool, Newcastle and Tottenham.
However, according to recent reports, United seem to be focusing more on Liam Delap, Hugo Ekitike and Victor Osimhen, but David would arguably be the most sensible signing of all of them.
Firstly, the Canadian international would not cost the Red Devils anything in terms of transfer budget, something that could help them fund a squad rebuild in other positions. Plus, David is a strong and fast striker, who is an out-and-out number nine; he would be able to get into position to complement the likes of Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo behind him.
David has scored 109 goals in 232 games for Lille since he joined the club from KAA Gent in 2020. This season, he’s netted 25 goals and provided 12 assists, making him one of the most promising attackers in European football.
Aged just 25 too, David is in the prime of his career, and would provide Amorim with a world-class goal scorer, who is perfect for United’s number nine spot...for free. It is a no-brainer for a United side who are struggling financially, especially with regards to Profitability and Sustainability Rules.
Man United face fierce competition to sign Jonathan David
United aren’t the only Premier League side that has been linked to the Lille striker. Newcastle have emerged as the most likely to sign the 25-year-old this summer, as they have reportedly identified him as a replacement for Callum Wilson, who is set to leave the club this summer.
Liverpool have also been linked to David as they look to find a replacement for Darwin Nunez, who has struggled since joining the Reds for £71m from Benfica in 2022. United would need to approach David soon if they are to beat Liverpool and Newcastle to his signature, as they can both offer him Champions League football.
However, if David was to speak with Amorim and be convinced of his project at United, like Cunha seems to have done, he could be persuaded to come to Old Trafford and try to help solve United’s striker issues.