JUST IN: Manchester United May Now Target £67m Striker as Alternative if Viktor Gyökeres Joins Arsenal – Journalist Reports
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Manchester United’s transfer strategy may be taking a sharp turn. According to fresh reports from a well-placed journalist, the Red Devils are preparing to switch their attention to a new striker valued at £67 million, should top target Viktor Gyökeres opt to sign for Arsenal instead. With United’s need for a top-tier forward growing increasingly urgent, this potential pivot reflects the tense, high-stakes nature of this summer’s transfer window.
United have long been linked with Sporting CP’s Gyökeres, who enjoyed a blistering 2023/24 campaign. But Arsenal’s reported acceleration in negotiations has raised alarms at Old Trafford, forcing club officials to prepare a contingency plan—and fast.
Now, with competition intensifying and time ticking down, Manchester United could be forced to trigger their “Plan B” option—an exciting but slightly less familiar name in the European striker market. The player in question, though unnamed in the initial reports, is believed to be a proven goal-scorer with a profile well-suited to Erik ten Hag’s tactical demands.
This article explores the implications of this development: why Manchester United were so invested in Gyökeres, who this £67 million alternative might be, how it fits into their long-term vision, and why Arsenal’s transfer moves are beginning to reshape the Premier League’s summer drama.
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Gyökeres to Arsenal? A Game-Changer in the Market
Viktor Gyökeres has been the centerpiece of United’s striker shortlist for months. The Swedish international bagged over 40 goals in all competitions last season, helping Sporting CP to a strong domestic finish and earning attention from top European clubs.
His physicality, relentless pressing, and goal instinct made him a dream fit for Ten Hag’s dynamic system—a forward capable of leading the line while contributing to buildup play and defensive structure.
But in recent days, Arsenal have emerged as serious contenders. With Mikel Arteta seeking to finally resolve his striker dilemma and add a killer edge to his fluid system, reports suggest the Gunners are in advanced talks with both the player’s camp and Sporting. The release clause, set at €100 million (£84 million), is the major hurdle—but Arsenal appear willing to negotiate structured payments to secure his services.
For Manchester United, this is a serious blow. While they’ve been cautious with spending under financial fair play constraints, Gyökeres was seen as a transformative signing. Missing out would not only hurt the team’s on-field prospects—it could also damage morale among fans desperate for ambition and quality at Old Trafford.
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United’s £67 Million “Plan B” – Who Could It Be?
While the journalist hasn’t officially named the £67 million striker being considered, speculation is already swirling. Here are three key names that fit the profile:
1. Jonathan David (Lille)
The Canadian striker has been one of Ligue 1’s most consistent scorers over the last few seasons. Quick, technical, and intelligent in his movement, David is valued around €70–80 million and has previously expressed interest in a Premier League move. He’s more of a poacher than Gyökeres but brings exceptional composure and tactical flexibility.
2. Joshua Zirkzee (Bologna)
Zirkzee has attracted attention for his elegant playing style, physical presence, and ability to link midfield with attack. At just 23, he still has room to grow, but his £68 million valuation may raise questions about whether he offers the immediate impact United need.
3. Randal Kolo Muani (PSG)
Kolo Muani struggled to settle in Paris but remains a highly-rated forward. If PSG are willing to sell, he could be available near the £65–70 million mark. His pace and movement would suit Ten Hag’s transitional game well.
Regardless of the identity, the £67 million mark places this player squarely in “must-deliver” territory—a signing expected to start and produce results from day one.
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Why United Must Move Quickly
This transfer window has exposed United’s vulnerability in the striker department. With Anthony Martial gone and Rasmus Højlund still developing, the need for an experienced, lethal finisher is no longer a luxury—it’s essential.
Here’s why urgency is key:
Ten Hag Needs Reliability: Højlund showed promise last season but lacked consistency. United cannot enter another season with just one main option up front.
Market Competition Is Fierce: Arsenal, Chelsea, and Bayern are all in the market for top strikers. Delay too long, and United could be left without any marquee name.
New Ownership Wants Impact: With INEOS taking increasing control over football operations, there’s pressure to show smart, decisive recruitment.
The reported £67 million alternative suggests that United are willing to spend—but want the right fit rather than making another panic buy.
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Fan Reaction: Disappointment but Hope
The potential loss of Gyökeres to Arsenal has understandably disappointed many fans. Across social media, United supporters voiced their frustration:
> “Same old story. We scout the talent, another club swoops in.”
“If we don’t get a proper striker this summer, we’re in for another season of mediocrity.”
However, some fans are open to a smart pivot, provided the club doesn’t compromise on quality. Many still trust in Ten Hag’s vision but are growing restless with the lack of execution in the transfer market.
One fan on Reddit posted, “I don’t mind not getting Gyökeres if we have a real Plan B that fits the system. But we need to stop dithering and act.”
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Arsenal’s Power Move – Changing the Balance?
If Arsenal do land Gyökeres, it would be a significant win. The Gunners have been widely praised for their disciplined recruitment in recent years, and this would solve one of their biggest tactical challenges—having a striker who can finish chances and bring physicality to the frontline.
For United, this would mean their rivals not only beat them to a key target but also further strengthen their title credentials.
This highlights a growing issue: while Manchester United are still a global name, the appeal of clubs like Arsenal and Manchester City is now stronger for players wanting guaranteed Champions League football, a clear tactical identity, and upward momentum.
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What’s Next for Manchester United?
With pre-season fast approaching, the pressure is on. Here’s what we can expect in the coming weeks:
Accelerated Talks with Alternative Striker: If Gyökeres joins Arsenal, United will likely activate their Plan B immediately.
Budget Rebalancing: If they spend £67 million on a striker, other areas (like midfield or centre-back) may get lower-cost solutions.
Youth Integration: Ten Hag may continue integrating academy stars while searching for experienced reinforcements.
Crucially, this window may define the manager’s future. After back-to-back underwhelming league finishes, Ten Hag cannot afford another misstep.
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Conclusion: Pivot or Panic?
Manchester United’s interest in a £67 million striker as a backup option to Viktor Gyökeres shows two things: they’re willing to invest—but still being reactive rather than proactive in the market.
Should Arsenal finalize the Gyökeres deal, the pressure will shift dramatically onto United to respond smartly. They must now prove they have the scouting insight and negotiation ability to secure a striker who not only fills the gap—but thrives at Old Trafford.
With time running out and rivals acting decisively, United can’t afford to be left behind again.
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