BID ACCEPTED: Man United completes first summer transfer signing as striker completes medical to join the Gunners
Manchester United are in the market for a striker this summer, and the Premier League has several options attracting Ineos.
Goals have been the biggest issue for Manchester United throughout the troublesome campaign, which will see the Red Devils record a worst-ever Premier League season.
Due to this, Rasmus Hojlund is expected to be sold by United in the summer transfer window with the Dane even pushing for an exit himself now, having accepted his fate.
This will lead to additions to Ruben Amorim’s attacking department, with Fabrizio Romano claiming United want another striker and attacking midfielder following the impending arrival of Matheus Cunha.
Liam Delap is a favourite target for United with his Premier League-proven goal record, attracting Jason Wilcox. An additional option is thought to be Jean-Philippe Mateta, whom United are keen on signing.
But now another option has been linked.
Manchester United keen on Brighton’s Joao Pedro
Bolstering the attack with proven Premier League goal scorers appears to be Ineos’ priority early in the transfer window, after the number of chances squandered by the current forwards this season.
With several options already being considered, now United have been linked with Brighton’s Joao Pedro.
It is according to Sky Sports’ Rob Dorsett, who shares that the Brazilian is keen to open talks with Chelsea as the Blues are interested in signing him this summer if a fee can be agreed.
However, the BlueCo-owned outfit is not alone, with United and Liverpool also keen on signing the forward with 10 goals and six assists in the league this season.
Finally, it is claimed that the Seagulls have not yet received any bids for their player, but will likely look for a figure around the £50m mark.
Joao Pedro possesses one quality Manchester United need
Despite his youth, Pedro is a very talented forward and has been praised substantially by Alan Shearer this season.
Shearer said, as quoted by Argus: “This for me is a brilliant centre-forward goal. The way he follows it up and he is expecting the rebound to get there. He reacts before anyone else does and then he gets his reward. His hold-up play was superb at times when he had to keep hold of the ball and bring his team-mates into play.”
Signing Pedro has one major benefit for United, and it is due to the Brazilian thriving in his ball-carrying, ranking in the 97th percentile (3.05 per 90) across Europe’s top five leagues for progressive carries, which Amorim’s team is lacking right now.
Pedro also shines in his progressive passing (3.6 per 90, 96th percentile) and is also 90th percentile for successful take-ons (1.34 per 90).
Where signing Pedro gets interesting is that he can play both up front and also in the number 10 position which would give Amorim more options in the attacking department.
