They are working hard at Old Trafford to build a team that does not scrape the bottom of the Premier League table, but once again becomes one of the big clubs in the world.
Manchester United are now aiming to sign Benjamin Sesko – the RB Leipzig striker is willing to approve the transfer, and a quick reduction in price gives United extra leverage.
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After finally securing Bryan Mbeumo after weeks of long negotiations, although more expensive than they hoped for, the job of strengthening the team continues. Although they have already brought in two attack-oriented players – Cameroonian striker and Brazilian Matheus Cunha from Wolves – Ruben Amorim is not done reshaping the attacking line.
Therefore, Manchester United still want a physically strong number 9 who can lead the attack and act as a front figure in Amorim’s tried and tested 3-4-2-1 formation.
Although David Ornstein has confirmed that Amorim also wants a new goalkeeper and a midfielder before the transfer window closes, the next main focus at Old Trafford will be to secure a new striker.
While several options have already “slipped away” – including Liam Delap, Hugo Ekitike and Viktor Gyökeres (with United making bids for the latter two late in the process) – the target list has now been downgraded to two names: Sesko and Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson.
According to Bild journalist Christian Falk, United have a very real chance of securing the powerful Slovenian striker.
“It is worth noting that Leipzig will have to sell players this summer,” Falk told the Daily Briefing. “They have a goal of bringing in €100 million, and they only have two players in this price range who can bring in income for the club.”
“Xavi Simons is of course one of them, the other is Benjamin Sesko. So the club may have to sell both players in this transfer window. Therefore, Manchester United will definitely be an option.”
Regarding the comparisons with Erling Haaland, Falk continued: “Sesko is a fan of the Premier League and is prepared to take the next step. He has a lot of confidence – he himself has told reporters that he thinks he has similarities with Erling Haaland: ‘My teammates at the club say that Haaland and I are very similar, especially in terms of speed. Most even say I’m better than him.’
So as you can see, he is not afraid of big names or big clubs! I think this transfer can happen quickly now that Arsenal are no longer in the picture.”
United find out the price for Sesko – with key advantage secured
Falk claims that United are very well placed in the race for Sesko, after Arsenal finally chose Gyökeres after weeks of negotiations for both strikers.
And since United’s recruitment director knows both the player and his club well, it is believed that United already have a key advantage if new bidders emerge.
“When one door closes, another opens! Arsenal have pulled out of their pursuit of Benjamin Sesko, which creates an opportunity for Manchester United. United were not at the forefront of the club and the player, but there is a key leadership involved in all of this – Christopher Vivell, United’s scouting manager. He has previously worked for RB Leipzig and is now backing a potential deal.
Vivell has also been monitoring the situation since April. He was at the Leipzig-Wolfsburg game to scout Sesko again.”
In addition, the price could also be in United’s favour, as Falk explained: “The striker is 22 years old and still very young. He can go for a good offer; I think Leipzig are willing to negotiate if they receive around 70 million euros (£60.6 million, $82.3 million).”
United can get Sesko at a lower price
TalkSPORT journalist Ben Jacobs has reported that United could get Sesko at a lower price next month. “There are some names that stand out as United discuss their goals internally. Benjamin Sesko is the one to follow, because the price can fall towards the end of July and the beginning of August.
By then, many clubs looking for strikers will have already found one, so there will be less bidding war. Leipzig also know that the player wants to leave, and 12 months ago, Manchester United, along with Arsenal and Chelsea, submitted bids for Sesko.
So he’s a long-term target for United, and now they have Chris Vivell as recruitment director – effectively second to Jason Wilcox – and he knows Sesko from his time in the Red Bull group.
So at the right price, this is a deal United would like to make, but Arsenal were unable to push down the release clause, which is over €80 million (£69.2 million, $93.8 million). If Sesko to United is going to happen, they might have to show some patience.”
Swap for Nicolas Jackson an option for Amorim – La Liga star wants to join United
Although rumours of a transfer for Sesko are growing, our transfer expert Fraser Fletcher insists that United have not closed the door on a deal for Jackson either.
According to Fletcher, a swap with Chelsea, which benefits all parties, could still be on the cards this summer. Such a deal would be very attractive to United, as it could potentially be completed without an exchange.
United’s next move has been financed by the sale of players, with Marcus Rashford – who has now signed for Barcelona – being the latest big name to leave the club.
However, it has emerged that Rashford is facing a difficult start in Catalonia, after three players – including Lamine Yamal – have reportedly complained about his arrival, according to negative reports.
On the other front, United are working “hard behind the scenes” on a deal to bring a top La Liga midfielder to Old Trafford, after strong rumours in the Spanish media claim that the player has approved the transfer.
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