Despite a slow start to the transfer window, Manchester United appear to be headed toward signing the clinical striker they desperately need.
It’s been a tough summer for Man United on the recruitment front, with the pursuit of Bryan Mbeumo turning into a prolonged saga.
While the deal for Matheus Cunha has been completed, the search for a clinical goal-scorer continues, with United in desperate need of an elite, proven striker.
Although Viktor Gyokeres appears to be headed to Arsenal and a deal for Victor Osimhen seems nonexistent, United could be in the running to sign another exciting forward.
A new striker target emerges
At the beginning of the month, The Peoples Person relayed that Fiorentina striker Moise Kean’s 44 million release clause was set to be activated.
A few days later, it was reported that United were interested in the striker, viewing him as a feasible summer signing.
Now, it seems that United are solidifying their interest in the Italian goal poacher.
Triggering Kean’s release clause
This morning, Corriere dello Sport reported that United are a feasible destination for Kean this summer.
“At this point, the situation is tightening. Kean has never accepted Al-Qadsiah’s offer, nor has he commented on the interest of Al-Hilal, who had contacted his entourage in recent days,” the report read, suggesting that Kean would rather remain in Europe as opposed to moving to Saudi Arabia.
“Manchester United remains a possibility, as the Red Devils could make a move for the 2000-born player in the final hours of his release clause,” the report confirmed.
“If the latter isn’t activated, the player will be happy to meet with Fiorentina to discuss a contract renewal with a suitable salary,” the article added, indicating that Kean may be content with remaining at the Serie A club should a suitable deal not be reached.
While there doesn’t seem to be a frontrunner in the race to sign Kean as of present, United should get a move on if they hope to sign the 25 year old.
Kean was a clinical finisher for Fiorentina in last season’s Serie A, scoring 19 goals and bagging three assists in 32 appearances. His contributions played a key role in securing the club’s sixth-place finish in Serie A, thereby grabbing a qualification spot for the UEFA Conference League.
With United largely stalling in the ongoing transfer window, Kean is the kind of player that the club would do well to sign, especially given his price tag. Ultimately, United need to stop stalling if they hope to sign a striker of the right calibre this summer, especially since his release clause will soon expire.
Still, there is one advantage that United may hold should a race for Kean heat up.
Lindelof’s connection to Fiorentina
Having departed United at the end of last season, Corriere dello Sport added in their report that Viktor Lindelof may end up joining Fiorentina as he searches for his next club.
Should he do so, he may be able to have some sway in convincing prospective new teammate Kean that joining United is the right move, depending on the timeline in which events may unfold.
Feature image Gabriele Maltinti via Getty Images
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Mathew Cohen A faithful Manchester United supporter, Mathew has worked as a football writer and analyst for SB Nation, FanSided, and now The Peoples Person. Mathew’s heroes include David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Sir Alex Ferguson, all of whom played their part in creating some special childhood memories.
