Manchester United are closely monitoring developments in the striker market this summer, especially as rivals Arsenal move in on key shared targets.
One name at the center of this tug-of-war is Viktor Gyökeres, who appears to be edging closer to a switch to Arsenal.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, this potential move could reshape United’s strategy and push them toward a different target — Benjamin Šeško.
The Red Devils are in need of a new striker despite having high internal confidence in Rasmus Højlund.
Similarly, Arsenal are actively pursuing a high-profile forward as they aim to strengthen their frontline.
With both clubs operating in the same space, it’s unsurprising that they’re targeting some of the same players.
Gyökeres has reportedly expressed a strong desire to join Arsenal, telling Manchester United that the Emirates is his preferred destination.
That would likely close the door for United’s pursuit of the Swedish international, who had a standout season and knows Rúben Amorim well from their time at Sporting Lisbon.
In response to this development, Manchester United are reportedly activating a backup plan that involves reigniting their interest in Benjamin Šeško — a player who has previously been linked with both clubs.
Ben Jacobs shared during an appearance on The United Stand that Manchester United had made a serious approach for Šeško last year before the striker chose to remain at RB Leipzig.
Now, with Arsenal leaning toward signing Gyökeres, United could return to the table for Šeško, who would cost around £67 million.
Jacobs emphasized that this striker shuffle could be a “sliding doors” moment for the two Premier League giants: whichever player Arsenal signs could directly determine who United ends up bringing in.
Although both strikers are talented, there are important distinctions. Gyökeres has a stronger scoring record in recent times and has already worked under Amorim, making him a seemingly better fit for immediate impact.
On the other hand, Šeško is younger and full of potential, though some critics argue he is still relatively untested at the highest level — much like Højlund was when United signed him from Atalanta.
If Arsenal finalize a deal for Gyökeres, it could speed up Manchester United’s efforts to secure Šeško before other suitors make a move.
The way this unfolds could significantly influence both clubs’ trajectories in the coming seasons, making it one of the most intriguing transfer battles of the summer.
United fans will be watching closely to see who their club turns to as Plan B — and whether that decision pays off in the long term.
