Man Utd enter the race to sign one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers as Arsenal Viktor Gyokeres bid emerges
Manchester United are reportedly assessing the feasibility of a move for highly-rated French striker Hugo Ekitike, as they seek to bolster their attacking options ahead of the new season. Following a lacklustre Premier League campaign that produced just 44 goals in 38 matches, the Red Devils are prioritising reinforcements up front under the leadership of new manager Rúben Amorim.
While Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres has long been identified as a primary target due to his successful stint under Amorim in Portugal, the club has now shifted some of its focus to Ekitike. The Eintracht Frankfurt striker has emerged as one of Europe’s most sought-after young talents after an impressive season that saw him net 22 goals and provide 13 assists across all competitions. His contributions were instrumental in securing Champions League qualification for the Bundesliga side.
According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Manchester United have made contact with Frankfurt within the past 48 hours to express genuine interest in the 21-year-old. The German journalist noted that United are now in direct discussions to explore the terms of a potential deal. Ekitike is under contract until 2029, and Frankfurt are said to be demanding a fee in the region of £85 million. This price tag is still steep, but potentially more manageable than the €100 million release clause attached to Gyökeres.
The competition for Ekitike is heating up, with Chelsea and Liverpool also monitoring the situation closely. United’s growing interest may be driven by the increasing difficulty of securing Gyökeres, especially after reports emerged that Arsenal had a €70 million bid for the Sporting striker rejected. The Gunners had attempted to make headway during a meeting in Spain with Sporting officials but failed to meet the Portuguese club’s valuation.
As United continue evaluating their options, Ekitike represents a compelling alternative—a young, dynamic forward with a proven scoring record and significant room for development. His arrival would also likely impact Rasmus Højlund’s position in the squad, as the club appears willing to reshuffle their frontline in pursuit of more reliable goal output. Backed by INEOS and determined to give Amorim the tools needed for a successful rebuild, Manchester United are clearly positioning themselves for an aggressive summer in the transfer market.
