Manchester United are keen to sign a new No.9 this summer to add more firepower to their frontline, and the Red Devils have been linked with moves for Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres in recent weeks
15:38, 15 Jun 2025
ISTANBUL, TURKEY - MAY 18: Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the Turkish Super League match between Galatasaray and Kayserispor on May 18, 2025 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)
Victor Osimhen is set to be on the move this summer(Image: Ahmad Mora, Getty Images)
Manchester United's search for a new No.9 has seen them open transfer talks with Victor Osimhen, only to find out Viktor Gyokeres snubbed the chance to reunite with Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils are in the market for a goal-scorer and have shortlisted several strikers, including the prolific pair of Osimhen and Gyokeres. According to Footmercato, United started negotiations with Osimhen, while they were still keen on signing Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon.
Reports in Portugal now claim that Gyokeres has rejected United, with his representatives communicating this decision to the Old Trafford chiefs.
Gyokeres is ready to take on a new challenge and has threatened to go on strike to force through a move away. He said on Instagram: "There is a lot of talks at the moment, most of it is false. I will speak when the time is right."
During his spell in Portugal, the Swede surpassed the 50-goal mark across two seasons, almost scoring a century of goals. Meanwhile, Osimhen's recent stint on loan with Turkish giants Galatasaray saw him bag 37 goals to secure the league title for his team. Neither player will come cheap, and both are on Arsenal's radar.
LISBON, PORTUGAL - MAY 25: Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting his team's victory following the Portuguese Cup final match between SL Benfica and Sporting CP at Estadio Nacional do Jamor on May 25, 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Pedro Loureiro/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Viktor Gyokeres has snubbed a move to Man Utd(Image: Eurasia Sport Images, Getty Images)
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Sporting president Frederico Varandas has firmly stated: "One thing you should already know is me better. Threats, blackmail and insults don't work with me.
"I can guarantee that Viktor Gyökeres will not leave for €60m+10m (£51m+£8.5m) because I never promised him that. This game that the agent is playing only makes the situation worse. To this day, Sporting has not had an offer for Viktor Gyökeres, neither today nor last season."
Ex-Manchester United ace Rio Ferdinand has shared his insights regarding the club's transfer choices, remarking this week that United should've set their sights on Osimhen rather than Gyokeres, considering the Nigerian's prowess and unlikeliness to remain at Napoli.
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He said: "I think Gyokeres, everyone's talking about him. Again, I think if I'm looking at the market now and I had to pick him or Osimhen, I'd probably pick Osimhen because of that experience.
"And he's shown he's done it in multiple leagues now. And he's done it internationally as well. I think he's a top-class number nine who, again, the young players will be able to learn from. I'm not saying that Gyokeres would fail. I'm just saying that if I had a preference, I would go there."