Man Utd bounce back from Gyokeres 'blow' with push for £100m striker

Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has reportedly signed off on a renewed push for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, after top target Viktor Gyökeres informed his camp he prefers a move to Arsenal.

Gyökeres had been United’s leading forward target for weeks, with manager Rúben Amorim hoping to reunite with the Swedish international after their successful stint together at Sporting CP.

But the prolific striker — who scored 54 goals last season — has decided Arsenal’s Champions League football and current squad project offer a better fit.

The news has prompted Ratcliffe and United’s hierarchy to pivot quickly, with Victor Osimhen now rising to the top of the striker shortlist, reports The Sun.

The Napoli star has long been admired by United scouts, and his physicality, pace, and elite-level finishing make him a natural fit for Amorim’s pressing system.

“Missing out on Gyökeres was a blow,” a club source said, “but Sir Jim isn’t wasting time. Osimhen is a different type of striker — but the same level of ambition.”

Osimhen, 26, is expected to cost in the region of €100–120 million, with Napoli reluctant to sell unless a release clause is met. Despite that, United are believed to be exploring structured payment plans and potential player-plus-cash offers.

At the same time, United are keeping tabs on Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitiké, a younger and more cost-effective option who could arrive for closer to €60 million.

The 22-year-old Frenchman scored 18 goals last season and is viewed as a long-term project with high upside.

Ratcliffe is said to be personally involved in these discussions, with INEOS keen to secure a marquee forward to complement the recent arrival of Matheus Cunha.

“We’re not just rebuilding — we’re raising standards,” Ratcliffe told close staff this week, per internal reports. “Expect the club to act fast.”

With pre-season just weeks away, United’s striker situation remains fluid — but the Gyökeres rejection has only hardened their resolve to land a headline-making No. 9.