Man United poised to compete with Arsenal for leading striker as Ruben Amorim prepares to spend over £100 million on two signings.
Ruben Amorim is eager to bring in a new striker as part of his plan to reshape Manchester United’s attacking lineup. The Red Devils are also moving closer to signing Wolves’ Matheus Cunha, with personal terms expected to be agreed with the Brazilian player this week. Meanwhile, Viktor Gyokeres is reportedly Arsenal’s top target for the summer transfer window.
talkSPORT reported in March that Sporting CP would be willing to sell Gyokeres for about £58.5 million, which is roughly £25 million less than his release clause.
Gyokeres recently helped Sporting secure the Primeira Liga title, scoring his 39th league goal of the season. With 53 goals in all competitions this term, he is a strong contender for the European Golden Boot. When questioned about his future after the title win, the 26-year-old remained non-committal, saying, “It’s football, I’m still here. I don’t know what’s going to happen. Nobody can predict the future.”
His teammate Pedro Goncalves hinted that Gyokeres might leave soon during the celebrations, stating, “They say we will never be three-time champions without Gyokeres… let’s see,” before dropping the mic.
A return to the Premier League looks likely for Gyokeres, who previously played for Brighton and Coventry City before joining Sporting for a record €20 million fee in July 2023. Although Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is keen to sign him, Gyokeres has history with United’s manager Amorim, who was Sporting’s coach until November 2024.
Amorim is focused on strengthening Manchester United’s attacking options after a tough season that has left the club in 16th place, having earned just 24 points from 26 games.
Ahead of the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday, former United defender Rio Ferdinand told talkSPORT that recruiting new players this summer is crucial, regardless of the final result. “This summer’s signings are absolutely vital for Manchester United,” said Ferdinand. “They realistically need at least three new players, ideally five. The recruits must fit what Amorim wants — players who are physically strong, can run hard for 90 minutes, and won’t be dominated.”
United are also nearing a deal for Brazil international Cunha, who has a £62.5 million release clause in his Wolves contract. Cunha, 25, is expected to make a decision on his next club before the season ends. Since joining Wolves on loan from Atletico Madrid in January 2023, he has scored 33 goals and made 15 assists in 90 appearances.
