Manchester United Eyes Stunning Swoop for Arsenal's Rejected Target as Gyokeres Deal Hits Roadblock

Following a direct rejection from Viktor Gyökeres, Manchester United have held internal talks regarding a potential pursuit of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Šeško, according to recent reports.
This past Sunday, several prominent Portuguese media sources suggested that Manchester United were preparing to disrupt Arsenal's stalled negotiations for Gyökeres. The Red Devils were reportedly "very close" to reaching terms with Sporting CP, after the Portuguese club's talks with the Gunners had reached an impasse.
Nevertheless, subsequent reports quickly emerged indicating that Gyökeres's position remained unchanged: Arsenal continued to be his preferred destination. Fabrizio Romano emphasized this point while noting that securing a significant striker addition remains a priority for United during this transfer window.
Romano unexpectedly identified Šeško as a potential alternative target for the Red Devils. While discussions are currently happening behind closed doors with no official bid submitted, the feasibility of such a transfer remains uncertain.

Arsenal had also shown strong interest in the 22-year-old forward during this summer window. Mikel Arteta reportedly preferred Šeško to Gyökeres due to his perceived greater potential, but the Gunners eventually turned their attention to the more seasoned Swedish striker after RB Leipzig refused to lower their €100 million (£86.3 million, $117.8 million) valuation.
Despite the financial relief from Marcus Rashford's pending loan switch to Barcelona, United would still require substantial funds from additional player departures to afford such an acquisition without European competition revenue this season. Matheus Cunha has already been secured for £62.5 million ($83.8 million), with Bryan Mbeumo anticipated to follow in a deal potentially worth £71 million ($95.2 million).
As an alternative option, Manchester United are reportedly maintaining dialogue with Chelsea regarding their striker Nicolas Jackson, while free agent possibilities have also emerged. The available trio of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Callum Wilson and Jamie Vardy have all reportedly been proposed to United this summer.