Manchester United’s pursuit of Benjamin Sesko this summer feels as though it’s been dragging out for months, with an end to the saga currently not in sight for the Red Devils.
Ruben Amorim’s side have struggled to win the race for the RB Leipzig striker’s signature, also facing competition from fellow Premier League side Newcastle United.
Rumours have been circulating that current centre forward Rasmus Hojlund could potentially be included in any move to bring the cost of the transfer down this summer.
However, with the September 1st transfer deadline rapidly approaching, the hierarchy will need to act quickly if they are to secure the Slovenian’s signature ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
There’s no denying that the 22-year-old will remain as their number one target between now and the end of the window, but other targets are being considered as a result of the saga.
The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer
As previously mentioned, Newcastle are also considering a move for Sesko, even taking the next step in their pursuit of the forward after submitting their second offer in recent days.
However, David Ornstein confirmed this afternoon that the Red Devils have made their own offer for the 22-year-old, totalling £74m including add-ons – leaving the player to decide which move he prefers this summer.
Despite the update on a move for Sesko, bids are also being prepared for other options, with PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma a player in their sights, according to Stretty News.
They claim that the Red Devils and Jason Wilcox are preparing a €30m (£26m) bid for the 26-year-old, who currently has one year left on his contract with the Ligue 1 giants.
It also states that the Italian international could be keen on a move to England this summer, after his current employers landed Lucas Chevalier to be their new number one this summer.
Why United’s £26m target would be a better signing than Sesko
There’s no doubt that, after scoring just 44 league goals in their 38 outings last season, United desperately need a new striker if they are to rise up the table throughout 2025/26.
The additions of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have already added needed quality into the final third, but further moves by Wilcox and co are needed if the club are to endure any success during Amorim’s reign.
Sesko, who scored 21 times last season, would undoubtedly offer an upgrade to the boss, but with the Magpies’ advances, it could make a deal somewhat trickier, even though they have made their own offer in recent hours.
Cheaper alternatives have already appeared on their radar, with Ollie Watkins and Nicolas Jackson two Premier League-proven options they could turn to as a result.
Both could easily fill the needed void at the top end of the pitch, with any money saved potentially playing a huge part in their move to land goalkeeper Donnarumma.
A shot-stopper has also been desperately needed, with current number one Andre Onana out injured, but also dropping multiple clangers during his spell in the side last season. Indeed, he made five errors leading to a goal in the Premier League and Europa League combined.
The Cameroonian cost the side in numerous key moments, including the Bilbao final, where he was unable to keep the ball out from Brennan Johnson’s close-range effort.
Donnarumma, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by former ‘keeper Diego Lopez, has showcased his talents in recent times, registering 2.2 saves per 90 last season, helping the French side win the Champions League.
He also ranked in the top 15% of all ‘keepers in Europe for goals conceded per 90, handing United that needed quality they’ve been lacking between the sticks in recent months.
Statistics (per 90)
Tally
Games played
24
Goals against per 90
1.08
Saves made
2.2
Save percentage
70%
Pass accuracy
86%
Defensive actions outside the box
0.9
% of passes launched
13%
Errors leading to goals
0
The major key to any move for the former AC Milan star is his lack of errors, not making a single mistake that led to a goal, which would see him massively provide an upgrade on Onana.
£26m for a player of his calibre in today’s market would be phenomenal business, handing Amorim a superb option to bolster his chances of success at Old Trafford.
There’s no doubt that Sesko would provide an excellent option in attacking areas, but there are cheaper options available this summer that could offer just as big of an impact, which could also free up funds to pursue a move for Donnarumma.
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