Manchester United head scout Christopher Vivell is now pushing for Ruben Amorim to sign a “phenomenal” Viktor Gyokeres alternative, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has revealed.
Man Utd set to miss out on Gyokeres
Man United had been given renewed hope of potentially winning the race for Gyokeres, with it being revealed they were closing in on an agreement over a transfer fee last week, but they are now set to miss out on the striker.
In fact, journalist Duncan Castles has played down reports that United even made a move for the Sweden international in the first place, stating: “I’m told by sources at Manchester United that that’s not true, and also by people close to Gyokeres that it’s absolutely not true, and even if it were true, Gyokeres would not go to Manchester United.
“He has chosen to go to Arsenal, and he will continue to force that move.”
With the Sweden international set to move to the Emirates Stadium, Amorim will now have to move on to alternative targets, and Vivell has now given his backing to a striker he knows well.
That is according to Bailey, in an interview with The Boot Room, who states Man Utd’s head scout is now pushing for Amorim to sign RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko. It is claimed that Amorim was previously sceptical about Sesko, however, Vivell has now eased those concerns.
Bailey said: “Despite Amorim’s uncertainty due to his age, Christopher Vivell – who knows Sesko from his Red Bull days – has given his backing internally. I am told that he firmly believes that he is actually very mature – not dissimilar in his mentality to Erling Haaland and this has really eased some concerns United might have had.
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The transfer expert also reveals that talks have been held with Sesko’s entourage, saying: “His people, along with intermediaries, have been gauging the interest and talking to clubs to assess their situation, and clubs in England have been spoken to, including Manchester United.”
"Phenomenal" Sesko could be ideal Gyokeres alternative
Arsenal deliberated over whether to sign Sesko or Gyokeres for quite some time, indicating that little separates the two centre-forwards, and the Slovenian has proven he could be the ideal alternative option.
The Leipzig star has maintained a solid goal record across the past three seasons, impressing for RB Salzburg in the 2022-23 campaign before going on to establish himself at Bundesliga level.
Season
Sesko’s league appearances
Goals
Assists
2022-23
30
16
4
2023-24
31
14
2
2024-25
33
13
5
Not only that, but scout Antonio Mango clearly holds the 22-year-old in very high regard, having lauded him as “phenomenal” in the past, while Fabrizio Romano praised his ability to carry on delivering despite Leipzig enduring a tough 2024-25 season.
A deal for Sesko will not be cheap, with it being claimed a deal could amount to €80m (£69m), but there are clear signs he could go on to be a top striker.