Arsenal and Man United Clash in £67m Battle for Two Top Strikers

Arsenal and Man United Clash in £67m Battle for Two Top Strikers

Festus Chuma 13:00 - 31.05.2025

Arsenal and Manchester United are battling in the transfer market over two top strikers valued at £67 million combined.

Manchester United have shifted focus shifts to recruitment after their post-season tour of Asia, which concluded with a 3-1 win over Hong Kong.

Finding a new striker is a top priority, especially after missing out on Liam Delap, who reportedly prefers a move to Chelsea.

Sesko Negotiations Heat Up

Arsenal have reportedly entered negotiations with RB Leipzig for Benjamin Sesko, according to Sky Sports Germany's Florian Plettenberg.

Discussions are ongoing regarding a payment structure for the striker, whose release clause is reportedly set at over £67 million. This follows a meeting between club executives in London earlier this week.

German outlet BILD reports that Manchester United have also earmarked Sesko as a potential target. With Delap seemingly Chelsea-bound, United have turned their attention to the 21-year-old.

United chief Omar Berrada is said to have personally endorsed the move after several assessments of Sesko, even watching him play in RB Leipzig's recent 3-2 Bundesliga victory over Wolfsburg.

Sesko would undoubtedly bolster United's attack but Arsenal's long-standing interest presents a significant challenge thus securing his signature would be a major coup for either club.

United Revive Interest in Kolo Muani and Mateta

Kolo Muani

Following the setback with Delap, Manchester United have reportedly reignited their interest in Randal Kolo Muani (Paris Saint-Germain) and Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace), according to Give Me Sport.

The club is reportedly assessing Muani's suitability, with a potential price tag of £35 million. United previously considered a loan move for Muani in January before he joined Juventus on a short-term deal.

However, Juventus director Cristiano Giuntoli has expressed his desire to keep Muani, stating, "Our relationship with PSG is excellent. We moved early and with great determination to beat the competition. Our intention is to continue with him. We’ll sit down at the end of the season to see how to make it happen.” Kolo Muani's contract with PSG runs until 2028.

Crystal Palace are reportedly unwilling to let Mateta leave for less than £50 million.

Jean-Philippe Mateta

Attracting players this summer will be difficult for Manchester United after failing to qualify for the Champions League. Mateta, having just won the FA Cup with Palace, now has the opportunity to play European football.

It makes a move to United less likely. Meanwhile, Juventus' Champions League qualification gives them a significant advantage in the pursuit of Muani, both in terms of prestige and potential financial incentives.