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.

**Manchester United Eye Brighton’s Joao Pedro as Key Summer Striker Target**

Manchester United’s search for attacking reinforcements has intensified, with **Brighton forward Joao Pedro emerging as a strong candidate** to replace Rasmus Hojlund. According to **Sky Sports’ Rob Dorsett**, Pedro is on United’s radar as Ineos prioritize Premier League-proven attackers to fix the club’s long-standing scoring woes.

### **Hojlund’s Likely Exit**

Rasmus Hojlund, once seen as a long-term solution, is now **expected to leave Old Trafford**, with reports indicating the Dane has **accepted his fate** and is even **pushing for a move**. With Erik ten Hag’s side having recorded their **worst-ever Premier League campaign**, an overhaul in the attacking department is viewed as essential.

### **Joao Pedro’s Profile**

Pedro, just 22, scored **10 goals and registered 6 assists** in the league last season. His combination of technical quality, versatility, and Premier League experience makes him an **ideal fit for Ruben Amorim’s tactical setup**. His ability to **carry the ball (97th percentile in progressive carries)** and contribute with **progressive passes (96th percentile)** provides a dynamic edge United have been lacking.

He can play both as a **central striker** and a **number 10**, which adds tactical flexibility to Amorim’s system—a huge plus as United look to add **another attacking midfielder alongside Matheus Cunha**.

### **Competition and Price Tag**

Pedro is **also attracting interest from Chelsea and Liverpool**, but he is reportedly **open to talks** with all parties. Brighton haven’t received any official offers yet but are **expected to demand around £50 million**.

### **Why Pedro Makes Sense for United**

* **Premier League experience**
* **Positional versatility** (CF and CAM)
* **High ball progression and link-up play**
* **Strong tactical fit for Amorim**
* **Still developing with high ceiling**

### **Other Striker Options Considered**

* **Liam Delap** (Man City) – liked by Jason Wilcox
* **Jean-Philippe Mateta** (Crystal Palace) – physical presence, poacher instincts

As United prepare for a **major summer rebuild**, Joao Pedro stands out as a **modern, dynamic attacker** who could be central to Amorim’s vision. The coming weeks may determine if Ineos can beat rival suitors to land the Brazilian star.

Would you like a stat-based comparison of Joao Pedro vs Mateta and Delap—or a projected front line under Amorim?