Manchester United have suffered another setback in their summer quest to upgrade Ruben Amorim's attack after Viktor Gyokeres reportedly rejected a move to Old Trafford. The Sporting striker is said to have informed United that he will not be joining ahead of next season, with Arsenal his preferred destination in the Premier League.
Amorim has already been turned down by his priority striker target, Liam Delap, who opted for a £30million switch to Chelsea from Ipswich Town. United's plans to recruit a new frontman are now up in the air, given a limited market due to hefty transfer fees and salary demands. Reported options Victor Osimhen and Hugo Ekitike appear too costly, while Jean-Philippe Mateta is nearing a new Crystal Palace contract.
After the 'mini window' ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup closed last Tuesday, the summer transfer period proper opens for business on Monday.
And United can reassure their sceptics that they boast a more efficient recruitment team under the INEOS banner by imminently sealing their next deal.
Matheus Cunha has already completed his exciting arrival from Wolves, bolstering Amorim's front line in a £62.5m deal.
The Red Devils will now focus on pushing through the transfer of Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, who has reportedly already approved a move to Manchester and verbally agreed terms.
Brentford rejected an initial offer worth £45m plus £10m in add-ons and are believed to want a guaranteed £60m to part ways with their star man.
United are yet to meet the Bees' demands, and their pursuit has since been complicated by Tottenham Hotspur announcing Thomas Frank as their new head coach.
After replacing Ange Postecoglou in the hot seat, Frank reportedly wants to convince Mbeumo to stay in London and join him at Spurs.
The development has applied pressure on United to seal a deal, but chief executive Omar Berrada insists that he will bring an end to the club's tendency to overpay for players.
While missing out on Gyokeres is a setback for Amorim, snapping up Mbeumo early in the coming week would be another statement of intent.
It would also allow United to perhaps focus further recruitment on other areas, including a goalkeeper to replace Andre Onana and at least one new midfielder.
Cunha and Mbeumo scored a combined 35 Premier League goals last season, just nine shy of United's measly tally of 44.
Both attackers can operate as strikers as well as 'No. 10s', which could be an appealing solution with players like Bruno Fernandes and Amad capable of thriving in the latter role.
United can ill afford another signing to slip through their fingers in what was always going to be a challenging transfer window. Mbeumo must arrive as early as possible.