Manchester United have identified the two strikers they will target after missing out on signing Viktor Gyokeres.
Like many of their Premier League counterparts, Manchester United have been actively pursuing a marquee striker during this summer’s transfer window in preparation for the upcoming season.
Among the names linked to the club in recent weeks was Viktor Gyökeres, a standout forward who previously played under new United manager Rúben Amorim at Sporting. The club reportedly made a late attempt to hijack the deal for the Swedish international.
However, Gyökeres is now expected to reject a reunion with Amorim, opting instead to sign with Arsenal, dealing a significant blow to United’s transfer ambitions.
As a result, United have now shifted their focus to alternative options up front — and it seems they’ve identified two leading candidates as their next potential striker signings.
Despite having already spent a combined £108 million on Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Højlund in recent seasons, it’s becoming increasingly evident that Manchester United still require a reliable centre-forward to spearhead their attack.
According to Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sports Germany, United have now narrowed their search to two key targets for the No. 9 role: Benjamin Šeško and Nicolas Jackson.
Šeško, currently at RB Leipzig, has long been on the radar of multiple Premier League clubs — including Arsenal and Liverpool. However, with Arsenal closing in on Viktor Gyökeres and Liverpool progressing toward a deal for Hugo Ekitike, the Slovenian forward may need to consider other options if he still hopes to make a move to England.
That scenario could play right into United’s hands, potentially positioning them as an ideal landing spot. Still, negotiations are far from straightforward. Leipzig reportedly won’t let him go unless the right offer arrives, and there remains a strong chance that Šeško could stay in Germany for at least another season.
Adding another twist, Chelsea may also be keeping tabs on the situation. Despite already bolstering their forward line with two signings this summer, Plettenberg notes that the door isn’t closed on a possible move from Stamford Bridge.
“There’s a lot happening behind the scenes with Benjamin Šeško,” Plettenberg told Sky Sports. “But I wouldn’t rule out him staying at Leipzig if no suitable offer comes in. I also wouldn’t discount potential interest from Chelsea — we’ll have to see how things develop in the next two or three weeks.”
In addition to Benjamin Šeško, Manchester United are also eyeing Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson as a prime target for their new striker. Despite an inconsistent campaign, Jackson managed to net 10 goals in 30 Premier League appearances, catching the attention of United’s scouting department.
With Liam Delap and João Pedro joining Enzo Maresca’s squad following Chelsea’s recent Club World Cup triumph, there’s growing belief that Jackson could be made available at a reduced price during this transfer window.
Should that happen, United are expected to intensify their pursuit of the Senegalese forward, especially with their season opener against Arsenal rapidly approaching.
“Talks are underway with interested clubs,” reported Florian Plettenberg. “Our understanding is that Manchester United have shortlisted two main candidates for the No. 9 role — Benjamin Šeško and Nicolas Jackson.”
