We take a look at the latest transfer news surrounding Manchester United, including a blow to Alejandro Garnacho's sale, Viktor Gyokeres rumours and Bryan Mbeumo's declaration
Matheus Cunha of Manchester United signing his contract with the club at Carrington Training Ground on June 12, 2025 in Manchester, England.
Matheus Cunha was Manchester United's first signing of the transfer window(Image: Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images.)
The fate of Manchester United’s 2025/26 season rests almost entirely on the transfers they manage to pull off over the next two months.
The 2024/25 campaign easily marked the gloomiest and statistically the worst in recent memory as they finished 15th in the Premier League and missed out on Champions League football after losing the Europa League final in May.
Yet, one small point of optimism was that the season proved just how much work needed to be done on the squad for head coach Ruben Amorim to have a shot at being successful. United began the window by doing just that, announcing the arrival of Wolves forward Matheus Cunha in a £62.5million transfer earlier this month.
The club hierarchy continue to work in the background to pull off several more additions as well as sales, with various big names linked to a move to Old Trafford this summer. Manchester Evening News now takes a look at three recent developments that could impact United’s transfer activity in the coming weeks.
Alejandro Garnacho transfer blow
Alejandro Garnacho receiving instructions from Ruben Amorim
Manchester United need to find another suitor for Alejandro Garnacho
It is clear at this point that Garnacho's time at Old Trafford is all but done. The 20-year-old vented his frustrations towards Amorim following United’s defeat to Spurs in Bilbao, having only been used from the 71st minute.
It marked just the latest flashpoint in a catalogue of behavioural incidents involving the Argentine winger, with Chelsea and Napoli’s interest providing a perfect opportunity to offload him this summer. Garnacho's preference is to stay in the Premier League, meaning Chelsea were initially the favourites to sign him.
But it appears the Blues have now shifted their attention to another winger, Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens, who they are reportedly closing in on for a fee of £55.5m. Gittens’ move to Stamford Bridge would end their interest in Garnacho.
That, in turn, leaves United searching for another buyer for a player whose sale would bring in a significant amount of money to reinvest on new squad additions.
Viktor Gyokeres twist
Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting celebrates after scoring a goal during the Liga Portugal Betclic match between Sporting Clube de Portugal and Sporting Clube de Braga at Estadio Jose Alvalade on April 7, 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal.
Viktor Gyokeres' dream move to Arsenal could break down
Amorim is clearly a fan of Gyokeres, having played a key role in the striker’s development into a world-class player during their time together at Sporting CP. But until now, the Swede has made it clear that he only wants a move to Premier League rivals Arsenal this summer, as the Gunners weigh up whether to buy him or RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.
Sesko is believed to be Mikel Arteta’s preferred signing, but Gyokeres was very much still in the running due to his lower price tag. Yet, according to Bild, Leipzig have now backed down from their initial asking price of £68-£85m to a figure of around £59.7m, which could see Arsenal push on with their deal for Sesko.
That would leave Gyokeres in a difficult position as his agent has already fallen out with Sporting’s hierarchy by attempting to force a move away. The development, however, provides the perfect opportunity for United to swoop in, should Gyokeres prefer a Premier League move to other options in Europe, with Juventus and other teams also lurking.
Bryan Mbeumo makes a decision
Bryan Mbeumo of Brentford celebrates scoring his team's first goal from the penalty spot after a penalty retake during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and Brentford FC at Selhurst Park on January 26, 2025 in London, England.
Bryan Mbeumo will either stay at Brentford or sign for Manchester United this summer
It emerged on Friday via The Athletic that United target Mbeumo has informed Brentford of his preference to sign for the Red Devils if he makes a transfer this summer. Mbeumo’s current contract runs until June 2026, though the Bees have the option to extend it by another 12 months.
United nonetheless came in with two bids, the latter worth £55m plus £7.5m in bonuses, which were both rejected. Talks are continuing between the two clubs, but a possible deal was threatened by Tottenham, who recently appointed Mbeumo’s former Brentford boss, Thomas Frank, as head coach.
However, the Cameroonian reportedly only has eyes for United, with Spurs’ interest now believed to be cooling. With the player’s stance clear, it’s up to United and Brentford to reach an agreement for a transfer that would provide a huge boost to Amorim next season.