Transfer Centre

Three strikers Manchester United could target after missing out on Darwin Nunez

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 12 June 2022

Sports Mole picks out three strikers that Manchester United could target this summer after seemingly missing out on Benfica's Darwin Nunez.

Manchester United are widely expected to bring a new centre-forward to Old Trafford during this summer's transfer window, with new head coach Erik ten Hag determined to boost his attacking options.

The Red Devils have been strongly linked with Benfica's Darwin Nunez, but the Uruguay international is now seemingly heading for Liverpool in a big-money deal.

While midfield remains a priority position for the 20-time English champions, the team are in need of attacking reinforcements, with Edinson Cavani leaving on a free transfer, and Anthony Martial potentially departing on a permanent basis ahead of the 2022-23 campaign.

With that in mind, Sports Mole picks out three forwards that Man United could potentially target during this summer's transfer window.

Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)

Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski celebrates scoring their third goal to complete his hat-trick on March 8, 2022 © Reuters

Robert Lewandowski has made it clear that he wants to leave Bayern during this summer's transfer window, and Barcelona remain the favourites to sign the Poland international.

However, the Catalan outfit's financial problems could ultimately prevent them from signing the striker, and Chelsea have recently been credited with an interest.

Man United are also allegedly now in the hunt for the 33-year-old, who scored 50 times in 46 appearances in all competitions at club level last term, in addition to registering seven assists.

The striker only has one year left on his contract at the Allianz Arena, and a fee in the region of £40m would allegedly be required to sign him during the current market.

Lewandowski would not be a long-term option for Man United, but it would be a major statement of intent if the Red Devils managed to sign one of the leading strikers in European football, and it is believed that he is determined to play in the Premier League before the end of his career.

Andrea Belotti (Torino)

Italy's Andrea Belotti reacts, November 15, 2021 © Reuters

Man United could spend more than half of their summer transfer budget on Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong, so there might not be a huge fee left over to sign a new striker in the current market.

It has previously been suggested that the Red Devils are looking at the free agent market, and Andrea Belotti is set to become available for nothing at the end of this month.

The 28-year-old enjoyed another productive season for Torino, scoring eight times and registering one assist in 23 appearances in all competitions, with all eight strikes coming in Serie A.

Belotti has netted 113 goals and registered 28 assists in 251 appearances for his current side, in addition to finding the back of the net on 12 occasions in 44 appearances for the Italian national team.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcus Rashford are both set to remain at Old Trafford this summer, and adding Belotti into the mix on a free transfer could be a smart move by Man United, who are also putting aside funds to bring a new centre-back to the club ahead of next season.

Victor Osimhen (Napoli)

Napoli's Victor Osimhen pictured on October 24, 2021 © Reuters

Victor Osimhen ended the 2021-22 campaign with 18 goals and six assists in 32 appearances for Napoli, including 14 goals and five assists in 27 Serie A appearances.

The Nigeria international's future has been the subject of much speculation in recent months, with a number of clubs believed to be determined to sign him this summer.

Any deal for the 23-year-old is likely to hinge on Napoli significantly dropping their asking price, though, as Man United are unlikely to spend big on a new forward, with their issues at the back and in midfield needing to be addressed by their new recruitment team.

Napoli have the attacker on a contract until June 2025, and there have been claims that he is valued by his Italian side in the region of £80m.

The Nigerian scored 18 goals and registered six assists in 38 appearances for Lille before making the move to Naples, and he has netted 28 times and provided nine assists in 62 outings for his current side in all competitions.