Man Utd enter the race to sign one of Europe's most sought-after strikers as Arsenal Viktor Gyokeres bid emerges

Manchester United are 'exploring the conditions' of a potential deal for one of Europe's most promising young forwards, according to reports.

As they continue their rebuild under Ruben Amorim, United will likely dip their toe in the market for a goalscorer this summer following a disappointing campaign that featured just 44 goals in 38 Premier League games.

They have been strongly linked with a move for Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres, who played under Amorim at Sporting. In fact, Fabrizio Romano claimed this week that United had made “new contacts” over a possible deal for the player.

But in a somewhat unexpected turn of events, it has emerged that United are exploring the conditions of a potential deal for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike.

Ekitike, who helped the Bundesliga side secure Champions League qualification after notching 22 goals and 13 assists last season, is currently one of the most sought-after strikers in world football.

It was reported in May that Liverpool are “seriously” in the running to sign the France U21 international, according to Sky reporter Florian Plettenburg, who dropped a new update on Thursday afternoon which involves United.

"Manchester United have now officially entered the race for Hugo Ekitike," he wrote on X, formerly Twitter. "#MUFC made contact with Eintracht Frankfurt within the last 48 hours, expressed concrete interest, and gathered all relevant information."

Plettenburg added: "Liverpool and Chelsea remain in the race – and now Man United are in as well."

Frankfurt, meanwhile, are demanding a fee of around £85 million for Ekitike, who has four years left on his deal at the Waldstadion.

Hugo Ekitike is being linked with a number of clubs this summer. Image credit: Getty

The news around United and Ekitike was made public soon after it emerged that a first concrete bid was made by Arsenal for wantaway Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres.

A report from Portuguese publication Record claims the Gunners made an offer for the 27-year-old Swede at a meeting in Spain on Wednesday.

The meeting involved Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta, a lawyer from the Premier League club, and Sporting's general director of football Bernardo Palmeiro.

But according to A Bola, the offer presented to Sporting was rejected after it ended up being "slightly below" the €60 million + €10 million figure mentioned by Sporting president Frederico Varandas, who was insistent he would not leave for that amount.

The report goes on to state that this meeting was just the first round of negotiations, and the Gunners "want to close this process with some urgency".

• Man Utd 'add' wildcard option to strikers shortlist as shock Viktor Gyokeres alternative emerges
• Arsenal and Man Utd told how much it'll cost to sign Viktor Gyokeres this summer
• Man Utd Coach Told Erik Ten Hag to Sign Two Premier League Players But Club Declined
• Viktor Gyokeres' Sporting strike highlights major transfer concern ahead of potential Man Utd or Arsenal move