Manchester United have approached another forward ahead of a potential summer move to Old Trafford.
The Red Devils have been busy in the market already, signing Matheus Cunha from Wolves for £62.5million and heavily pursuing Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo.
But they are also in for a striker, with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee both struggling for form last season. Viktor Gyokeres is top of their wanted list, but his current status is unclear.
Therefore, the Red Devils could look at alternatives, and, according to Sky Germany, have joined the race to sign a player that Premier League rivals Liverpool and Chelsea have both been after.
That man is Hugo Ekitike, the Frankfurt forward who has emerged as one of the most in-demand forwards in Europe this summer.
Liverpool have also been linked with the youngster as a potential replacement for Darwin Nunez, and the two Premier League giants could be set to battle it out for Ekitike’s signature.
Manchester United have made an approach to sign in-demand forward Hugo Ekitike, according to a report
Ekitike finished the 2024-25 campaign as Frankfurt’s top scorer in the Bundesliga, tied with Omar Marmoush
The situation surrounding Viktor Gyokeres is currently unclear after his representatives reportedly met with Arsenal
Benjamin Sesko has also been on Chelsea’s striker shortlist, while they have already signed Liam Delap. The Blues hold an advantage over rivals such as United by being able to offer Champions League football to those they are targeting.
Ekitike scored 22 goals in 45 games for Frankfurt over the last season, though the German club are understood to value him highly, around €100m (£84m).
The France Under-21 international was previously with Paris Saint-Germain, who sold him for close to £14m in 2024.
Ekitike finished the 2024-25 campaign as Frankfurt’s top scorer in the Bundesliga, tied with Omar Marmoush, who left in January to join Manchester City.
Earlier this season, meanwhile, when asked which club was his ‘favourite’ as a child he quickly responded: ‘Manchester United’.
The future of Gyokeres, meanwhile, has taken another twist with the Sporting striker’s representatives having held talks with one of his suitors, according to reports.
The 27-year-old is one of the most in-demand players this summer after scoring a staggering 97 goals in 102 matches for Sporting since joining in the summer of 2023.
Gyokeres has been heavily linked with Arsenal and United as well as Juventus – but it is the former who have reportedly taken a step forward in the race to sign him.
Ruben Amorim’s side are looking to strengthen their forward area in a busy summer window
Liverpool have also been linked with the youngster as a potential replacement for Darwin Nunez
Chelsea, meanwhile, are also monitoring his situation, despite already signing Rory Delap
Portuguese outlet O Jogo have reported on Thursday that Gyokeres’ agents flew to London on Wednesday to have a meeting with Arsenal’s directors.
They state that Hasan Cetinkaya was present in the Gyokeres camp as the parties from both side tried to evaluate and exhaust all possibilities of reaching an agreement with Sporting, as there will be no obstacles with the forward.
They add that out of the three teams in for the Sweden international, he prefers a move to Arsenal. Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is also a fan of his qualities.
