Man Utd’s Gyokeres boost after price change as swap deal impacts Garnacho

Manchester United are expected to have a busy summer transfer window as Ruben Amorim looks to build a squad that can right the wrongs of a woeful 2024/25 campaign

The fate of Manchester United‘s 2025/26 season hinges on the transfers they are able to pull off in the next two months. The 2024/25 campaign was the club’s worst in recent memory, with Ruben Amorim’s men repeatedly setting unwanted records.

They finished 15th in the Premier League and missed out on Champions League football after a defeat in the Europa League final in May. However, a glimmer of hope emerged from their misery. It was clearly evident that a rebuild – built in Amorim’s vision – was needed for their Portuguese boss to stand a chance at success next season.

United kicked off the transfer window by announcing the signing of Wolves striker Matheus Cunha in a £62.5million deal earlier this month. The club’s hierarchy continues to operate behind the scenes to orchestrate more signings and sales, with several high-profile names linked with an Old Trafford move this summer.

Here, Mirror Football takes a look at three recent developments that could influence United’s transfer dealings in the weeks ahead.

Alejandro Garnacho transfer blow

It’s clear that Garnacho’s days at Old Trafford are numbered. The 20-year-old voiced his dissatisfaction towards Amorim following United’s Europa League loss to Spurs in Bilbao, having only been brought on from the 71st minute during the final.

It was just the latest in a series of behavioural issues involving the Argentine winger, with Chelsea and Napoli’s interest providing the perfect chance to sell him this summer. Garnacho’s own preference is to remain in the Premier League, which initially made Chelsea the front-runners for his signature.

However, it seems that the Blues have now swapped their Garnacho interest in favour of another winger, Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens, who they are reportedly nearing a deal for a fee of £55.5m. Gittens’ move to Stamford Bridge would likely put an end to their pursuit of Garnacho.

That leaves United searching for another buyer for a player whose sale would generate substantial funds for new players. Chelsea could send £35m-rated Josh Acheampong to Dortmund in return in a separate deal, with The Independent claiming the Bundesliga side are interested in signing him.

Viktor Gyokeres twist

Amorim is clearly a fan of Gyokeres, having played a crucial role in the striker’s evolution into a world-class player during their time together at Sporting CP. However, until now, the Swede has insisted that he only wants a move to Premier League rivals Arsenal this summer, as the Gunners weigh up whether to purchase him or RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.

Sesko is thought to be Mikel Arteta’s preferred signing, but Gyokeres was still very much in contention due to his lower price tag. Yet, according to Bild, Leipzig have now reduced their initial asking price of £68-£85m to around £59.7m, which could see Arsenal proceed with their deal for Sesko.

This could put Gyokeres in an unwanted position as his agent has already fallen out with Sporting’s bosses by trying to orchestrate a move away. The development, however, provides the perfect opportunity for United to swoop in, should Gyokeres prefer a Premier League move to other options in Europe, with Juventus and other teams also lurking.

Bryan Mbeumo makes a decision

On Friday, The Athletic reported that United target Mbeumo has told Brentford he would prefer to sign for the Red Devils if he moves on this summer. Mbeumo’s current contract runs until June 2026, though the Bees have the option to extend it by another 12 months.

Despite this, United have made two offers, the second being £55m plus £7.5m in bonuses, both of which were turned down. Negotiations have been ongoing between the two clubs, but a potential deal was being threatened by Tottenham, who recently appointed Mbeumo’s former Brentford boss, Thomas Frank, as head coach.

However, it is understood that the Cameroon international only has eyes for United, with Spurs’ interest now thought to be waning. With the player’s position clear, it’s up to United and Brentford to agree on a transfer that would significantly bolster Amorim’s squad next season.

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