Manchester United's quest for a striker keeps taking new directions every day, but one thing is certain: they need a new frontman.
While Wout Weghorst's performance on loan was insufficient to support the notion that he can resolve Erik ten Hag's front-line problems, Anthony Martial's fitness has long been a source of concern. For a while, it appeared as though Harry Kane might be the answer, but United have changed their minds about going after the England captain.
Kylian Mbappe may be available for sale to Manchester United, according to recent rumours, although alternative choices seem more plausible. Here is an examination a five-man wishlist for Erik ten Hag that has lately been given a new moniker in more detail.
Osimhen has an advantage over Watkins in that he is younger and has experience playing in the Champions League. However, this inevitably means that he would cost United more than some other alternatives.
The international player from Nigeria wasn't exactly a bargain when he transferred from Lille to Napoli in 2020. The Partenopei won the Scudetto for the first time in more than 30 years thanks to a return of 50 league goals over three seasons, including a Serie A-high 26 this campaign.
This summer, "I will not sell Victor Osimhen - no way!" Aurelio De Laurentiis, the president of Napoli, stated to Rai Sport in May. Although United may yet put Napoli to the test, a rumored price tag of £131 million would have called for major issues even before then.
The 'no risk' striker that Ten Hag is looking for is Aston Villa's Watkins. The Athletic suggests the former Brentford player, who scored 15 Premier League goals last season, as a possible choice.
Watkins has accumulated 40 goals for Villa in three seasons while playing for three different permanent managers. He has also frequently drifted wide while serving as the team's key striker. Watkins is an Arsenal supporter, yet this does not necessarily prevent him from moving to Old Trafford. There is no sign that Unai Emery's team wants to let him leave.
Kolo Muani, a striker for France, is another person who would command a high price. The Eintracht Frankfurt star made a splash at the World Cup, scoring his first goal for his country at the senior level in the semifinal victory against Morocco, and finished the season with 23 club goals across all competitions.
"Honestly, I want to keep improving and working hard," Kolo Muani said during the current international break. "It's my dream to play for the big clubs – why not, but right now it's off-topic, I'm with the national team.
"We have two important matches [against Gibraltar and Greece]. The transfer window has just started, we'll see all of that when the international break is over."
Atalanta's youngster Rasmus Hojlund is valued by the Italian club at over £86 million, though there have been rumors that the price may decrease. The international player from Denmark made a big impression this year and is currently one of the top scorers in the Euro 2024 qualifying process.
Christian Eriksen, who was questioned about the 20-year-old while serving abroad, is another supporter of his. "I can see him [Hojlund] at Manchester United, but I haven't recommended him to Erik ten Hag," the midfielder said to Ekstra Bladet.
Similarly to how United started the last campaign, it's possible that they will do so again in 2023. After Cristiano Ronaldo left Old Trafford in November, Goncalo Ramos was able to replace the veteran in the World Cup and is now able to do the same at the club level.
Ramos, who assisted Benfica in winning the Primeira Liga last season, has been assigned to agent Jorge Mendes with a mission to sell him. The 21-year-old scored 27 goals overall, including a hat-trick against Switzerland at the World Cup, and 19 goals in the league.
According to reports, Benfica wants at least £80 million for the promising young player, who has a deal through 2026. Any agreement would be equivalent to Darwin Nunez's sale, who joined Liverpool around this time last year, given the amount.