Manchester United’s search for a new striker this summer is heating up, especially as competition with Arsenal intensifies over shared transfer targets.
With both Premier League giants in the market for a prolific forward, a clear overlap in their shortlist has emerged—most notably in the pursuit of Viktor Gyökeres, Sporting Lisbon’s star striker.
Reports indicate that Gyökeres has communicated a preference for joining Arsenal, which could see him make the move to the Emirates in the coming weeks.
This development would deal a blow to Manchester United’s hopes, as the Swedish striker was among their top targets.
However, United are already preparing a contingency plan, and journalist Ben Jacobs, speaking to The United Stand, claims that Benjamin Šeško is being lined up as the club’s alternative.
Šeško, who plays for RB Leipzig, has also been monitored by Arsenal, and any move for the 21-year-old striker could command a fee close to £67 million.
While he was on United’s radar last year, Šeško opted to stay in the Bundesliga.
But now, United are reportedly revisiting their interest, having kept tabs on his development over the past 12 months.
The decision by Arsenal on Gyökeres will be pivotal. If they succeed in signing him—having already made an opening offer of €70 million plus a €12 million signing bonus—it will effectively free up Manchester United to go all-in for Šeško.
According to sources, Sporting CP remain firm on their €100 million release clause, though Gyökeres’ camp believes there’s a verbal agreement in place to allow him to leave for a slightly lower amount.
United’s recruitment team is fully aware of this domino effect. Should Arsenal finalize the deal for Gyökeres, United are expected to push forward for Šeško, viewing him as a promising long-term option.
While not yet as prolific as Gyökeres, Šeško has shown steady improvement and, like Rasmus Højlund before him, is considered a high-upside talent who can grow into a leading role.
The comparison between both strikers has been a hot topic. Gyökeres is currently the more productive and experienced option, boasting a strong goal tally in Portugal and a prior working relationship with United manager Rúben Amorim.
Šeško, however, offers youth, speed, and versatility, though he remains largely untested at the highest level of European football.
Ultimately, the decisions made by Arsenal could shape the trajectory of Manchester United’s transfer window.
Whoever lands Gyökeres may leave the other club to act swiftly to secure Šeško before another suitor steps in.
It’s a high-stakes scenario that reflects just how intertwined the summer plans of England’s top clubs truly are.
