Manchester United have paved the way for Juventus to sign one of their top targets, with Rúben Amorim reportedly lining up an alternative transfer.
Manchester United are planning a major rebuild of their attacking line this summer after a disappointing 2024/25 season that saw them slump to 15th in the Premier League, with a lack of goals proving a key issue throughout the campaign.
Bruno Fernandes led the team in scoring with 19 goals, while Alejandro Garnacho and Amad followed with 11 each. Rasmus Højlund contributed 10, but no other player reached double digits in any competition.
The club have already wrapped up the £62.5 million signing of Matheus Cunha and are making steady progress in their pursuit of Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo.
Reports suggest that Brentford are happy with the base fee of £55 million, with discussions now focused on the structure of potential add-ons. The Cameroon international is expected to undergo a medical this week.
United are also continuing their efforts to sign a new centre-forward. Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres was initially a top target, but with the striker reportedly favouring a move to Arsenal, the club are now considering alternatives such as Hugo Ekitike and Ollie Watkins.
Juventus now have green light after United back away
The summer striker market is a complex one. The premium talents available for transfer this summer, such as Victor Osimhen or Viktor Gyökeres, are available for upward of £60 million, while young strikers with high potential, like Hugo Ekitike, have been valued at over £80 million.
United do not have a significant budget this summer without sales. Although the club could raise as much as £180 million in the coming months, all reports suggest that United will be staying away from Osimhen, with The Athletic explaining that the “outstanding” star’s wage demands are considered too high to be met.
Therefore, United have given Juventus the green light to pursue the player who the Turin side see as a “big target” for them this summer, as per Italian transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio.
Osimhen has a £63 million release clause, but this is only valid for clubs outside Italy, meaning Juventus will have to strike a bespoke deal with Napoli to secure an agreement for the 26-year-old.
Juventus are also interested in signing United outcast Jadon Sancho, and are in talks with both the club and the player’s representatives over a possible transfer.
Amorim already has a “perfect” alternative option
The appeal of Osimhen for United is that he is a well-seasoned goalscorer who would bring athleticism and a dynamic edge to their front line, something the club are desperately missing.
Read More: “Everything they can…” Manchester United dealt £180m transfer boost as contact made for four Rúben Amorim exits
However, with the cost of his deal too far out of United’s reach, Amorim is already eyeing other options for the position that could bring a similar goal guarantee to Osimhen, and has reportedly identified Aston Villa’s Watkins as an alternative.
Watkins has previously been touted as a “perfect” striker signing for Amorim, considering his Premier League experience, and may be available for a lower fee than Osimhen is.
It has been stressed that Watkins is just one of multiple options United are eyeing for the position, but he may be exactly what Amorim needs in the short term as he looks to add Premier League goals to his front line.
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