Man Utd now focus 'on versatile forward with 20 goals last season' as Mbeumo move stalls

Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman has now emerged as a priority target as protracted negotiations for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo become increasingly challenging for Manchester United.

This pivot comes at a time when the club is facing familiar problems when negotiating for players and they are struggling to get who they want.

For many fans this just feels like another transfer window with lots of potential signings mentioned but United just have Cunha and Diego Leon so far.

Efforts to bring Bryan Mbeumo to Old Trafford have proven difficult, reported TNT Sports.

Despite the club’s willingness to make Mbeumo their marquee signing and the player’s own desire for a move, Brentford have repeatedly rebuffed sizable offers, holding out for at least £65 million and demanding favorable payment terms.

With no agreement in sight, and time running down in the transfer window, Manchester United’s leadership have grown frustrated with the lack of progress.

Against this backdrop, Manchester United’s focus has sharpened on Ademola Lookman, who is coming off a standout campaign at Atalanta, highlighted by his 20 goals and seven assists in all competitions.

Lookman’s adaptability across the frontline and headline-making performances—most notably a Europa League final hat-trick—make him a compelling target for a United side in need of clinical edge and creative spark.

Lookman, 27, is well-known to Premier League observers from previous stints with Everton, Fulham, and Leicester, experience now complemented by maturity and end-product in Serie A.

Atalanta, though keen to keep their star, value Lookman at around €60–65 million (£50–55m), but are reportedly open to player-plus-cash deals—potentially involving United striker Rasmus Højlund.

United have initiated direct talks and view Lookman’s proven record and European pedigree as an ideal fit for the attacking rebuild under Ruben Amorim.

United face stiff competition: Inter Milan have reached a personal agreement with Lookman and are pushing ahead with a €40m offer, though Atalanta are demanding more.

Other top clubs, including Chelsea, Liverpool, and Arsenal, have also expressed interest. The prospect of Champions League football elsewhere could be a decisive factor for Lookman’s next step.

With the Mbeumo pursuit stalling, United’s decisive shift toward Lookman is both opportunistic and necessary.

The club’s ability to quickly pivot in a crowded market—and secure a transformational attacker—may well define the success of their summer business and the fortunes of Amorim’s evolving squad.