Manchester United striker signing 'not guaranteed' as Ruben Amorim's 'unlikely' dream target named - report
Man Utd hope to complete a deal for Bryan Mbeumo this month as they aim to rebuild their squad in the summer transfer window.
Manchester United would like to sign a striker this summer, but that doesn't mean they will. Ruben Amorim has prioritised attacking additions to his squad as he looks to refresh a forward line that found the back of the net just 44 times in the Premier League last season.
United have already completed the signing of Matheus Cunha for £62.5 million and remain in talks with Brentford over a move for Bryan Mbeumo. The duo scored a staggering 35 goals between them in the league last season. and would enormously improve the creativity and attacking threat at Old Trafford.
Amorim has also requested a striker, though that is a lot more complicated. United are still unclear what their budget will be for the final attacking position, with their pursuit relying heavily on player sales to fund it, an area where there has been a lack of movement so far.
Striker signing not guaranteed
Manchester United are still hopeful they will sign a striker this summer, with Aston Villa ace Ollie Watkins the latest name linked with a possible Old Trafford switch. United previously considered a move for the 29-year-old two years ago before they signed Rasmus Hojlund, while Arsenal looked into a possible deal during the January transfer window.
It is understood Villa would command a fee in the region of £60 million for Watkins, which makes a move to United appear unlikely, given there would be little resale value in it for them. The Athletic has also warned that while there are several strikers under consideration, there is still a chance United might not sign one at all.
They reiterate that United's full focus is on signing Bryan Mbeumo, and after that is completed, they will focus on player sales to help raise further funds. On the mention of striker targets, the report warns, 'it is not guaranteed one arrives if outgoings are insufficient.' Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho and Antony are all available for transfer this summer, though none of them are currently close to a departure.
When it comes to specific targets, the report reiterates 'Amorim would like a reunion with Viktor Gyokeres' but it is viewed as unlikely given his preference would be to join Arsenal. They also say Victor Osimhen’s wages are viewed as too high, while Hugo Ekitike would cost too much due to his €100m price tag.