Incoming Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag appears to have made his first transfer decision at Old Trafford in a move that will disrupt Arsenal ’s transfer plans.
United confirmed the appointment of the Dutchman last month after the 52-year-old met with United bosses in March to talk about becoming their new manager on a permanent basis. The current Ajax coach has signed a contract until June 2025 with an option of a further year.
United have reached out to teenage Reims striker Hugo Ekitike regarding his availability with a view to a summer transfer. The 19-year-old's goalscoring exploits saw Newcastle push to secure his services in the January transfer window and the two clubs reportedly reached an agreement on deadline day after the Magpies matched the asking price but a deal was never concluded.
Ekitike, who has enjoyed a breakthrough season at the Ligue 1 club this campaign, is open to making the next step in his career with a host of clubs monitoring his situation. United are preparing for a summer of significant change with multiple incomings expected and at least two new strikers thoughts to be a priority with Ten Hag keen to lay the foundations for several moves early. Newcastle are still thought to be in the running for Ekitike, as are Arsenal - whose strikers Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah are both out of contract this summer.
A report from ESPN suggests that the teenage striker will be available this summer in the region of £13million – a fee seen as affordable by Europe’s top clubs who wish to recruit a striker who may not automatically be a starter most weeks. A striker for France’s Under-20 side who is of Cameroonian descent, has netted 10 goals in just 15 starts for Ligue 1 side Reims.
United’s need for strikers this summer is clear. Edinson Cavani’s contract at Old Trafford expires at the end of the season and the long-term futures of Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcus Rashford – the only other recognised strikers in their senior squad bar Anthony Martial, for whom United will listen to offers - are also uncertain. There is also an exodus of players at the club with Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Nemanja Matic and Juan Mata all leaving this summer, while the club will listen to offers for multiple others.
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United are also reported to be in the running to land Benfica striker Darwin Nunez this summer. The Uruguayan international is expected to be one of Europe's most sought-after strikers over the coming months after a sensational season in the Primeira Liga and Champions League.
Nunez has netted 34 goals in all competitions this season – including in both legs of their European clash against Liverpool at the quarter final stage – while he recently handed United a potential transfer boost by confirming he was changing his agent.
This summer transfer window will be an extraordinarily busy one at Old Trafford.
