After missing out on Liam Delap, it remains to be seen who Manchester United will turn to in their quest to strengthen the tip of their attack this summer.
United had installed Delap as their first-choice option after it emerged he was attainable via a £30million release clause.
After scoring a respectable 12 Premier League goals for relegated Ipswich Town, Delap attracted interest from a handful of clubs. However, it was Chelsea's project that appealed to him most and he recently made the switch to Stamford Bridge.
The good news for United is that plenty of time remains this summer to find an alternative goal-getter. Despite being temporarily closed, the window will reopen as soon as Monday.
Naturally, the rumour mill has been in full swing lately, linking United with just about every striker who has ever scored a goal. However, some names keep cropping up more than others.
Among them are Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres, Napoli ace Victor Osimhen and soon-to-be free agent Jonathan David, who will leave Lille at the end of this month after five years at the French club.
Each of them rank among the best strikers that are set to be attainable this summer, but who United could end up with come the end of the transfer window remains anybody's guess.
The club is currently focusing on trying to sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, meaning incomings could slow until United oversee some outgoings. It is no secret that player sales will dictate what else United may be capable of this summer.
However, one way or another, United must sign a proven goalscorer before the window closes on September 1.
With a proven goalscorer required, United know they are going to have to loosen their purse strings. Established goalscorers are expensive and everyone wants one.
Over the last few years, few strikers have been as consistent in front of goal as Osimhen. The Nigeria international, who Napoli are actively looking to sell this summer, has scored 85 goals over the last three seasons, including 37 goals out on loan at Galatasaray in 2024/25.
Osimhen would be an excellent signing for United. He has a proven record in front of goal, is entering his prime at the age of 26 and he has already admitted he would love to play in the Premier League.
"I think playing in one of the top five leagues in the world (Serie A) is an amazing feeling for me," Osimhen said, speaking back in March 2023.
"A lot of people worldwide consider the Premier League as the best and the strongest league but now I'm in one of the best leagues in the world which is the Italian Serie A.
"I'm working so hard to make sure that I achieve my dream of playing in the Premier League someday but, like I said, it's a process and I just want to keep on this momentum and continue to do well."
Although it has not deterred Matheus Cunha from joining United and Mbeumo wanting to join him at Old Trafford, a lack of European football next season could hinder United's chances of attracting Osimhen. He has not gone a season without playing in Europe since 2018/19.
Recently the subject of interest from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, Osimhen is also likely to command big wages and that could be an issue.
But what United do have is a crop of big-name players they want to sell, including Alejandro Garnacho. The Argentine has been informed he can leave if United receive an acceptable offer.
United rejected a £40m bid from Napoli for the 20-year-old in January and are expected to hold out for a higher fee this summer. Somewhere in the region of £50m-£60m would reflect a fair market value for the Argentine based on his potential.
Admired by Napoli and head coach Antonio Conte, it remains to be seen if the Serie A champions will make a fresh approach for Garnacho this summer. If they have retained their interest and show a strong desire to take him to Naples, Osimhen might creep into United's thoughts when negotiating.
Signing a striker of Osimhen's ilk and offloading Garnacho would be a win-win situation for everyone concerned.
