Man Utd transfer latest: Reds 2 striker targets to play with Cunha as Gyokeres back in frame

Manchester United are ramping up their pursuit of a new “dream” striker this summer, with the club’s transfer strategy focused on finally solving their chronic goalscoring problems and building a potent attack around new signing Matheus Cunha.

After a dismal 2024/25 season in front of goal—just 44 goals in 38 league games—manager Ruben Amorim and director of football Jason Wilcox have made a new centre-forward their top priority.

United are actively working on deals for two headline targets: Hugo Ekitike of Eintracht Frankfurt and Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting.

Ekitike, who scored 22 goals and provided 12 assists in 48 matches for Frankfurt last season, is emerging as one of Europe’s most exciting young strikers, it is reported.

United are already in dialogue with his representatives and are planning formal talks with Frankfurt, but his €100 million (£85.5m) price tag is a stumbling block.

To lower the cost, United are considering a player-plus-cash deal, with current forwards Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund both potentially included as makeweights. Amorim has lost faith in both, and their combined 17 goals last season fell far short of expectations.

Gyokeres, meanwhile, is considered United’s first-choice option. The club is confident that Amorim’s relationship with the Swedish striker, who flourished under him at Sporting, could be decisive. However, the lack of European football at Old Trafford and Gyokeres’s high valuation make this a challenging deal to complete.

If United miss out on their A-list targets, they have a B-list of strikers including Moise Kean (Fiorentina), Mateo Retegui (Atalanta), Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace), and Lorenzo Lucca (Udinese).

These options are seen as more attainable financially, but may not offer the immediate impact United crave.

In addition to the centre-forward search, United are also pushing to sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford to fill one of the attacking midfield roles, aiming to add creativity and goal threat alongside Cunha.

United have also held positive talks with the camp of Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, who is keen on a move to Old Trafford and is pushing for a Premier League switch. Vlahovic’s proven record in Serie A and his desire for a new challenge make him an attractive option, but his high wages could be a sticking point.

United’s “dream” striker strategy this summer is clear: secure a proven, high-potential No.9 to transform their attack, with Ekitike and Gyokeres leading the shortlist, Vlahovic as a strong alternative, and several backup options in reserve.

The club’s willingness to offer current forwards in swap deals underlines their determination to reshape the squad and return to the Premier League’s top six