Morata and the four Man Utd alternatives to Arnautovic

9 Aug 2022 18:05 BST
3 min read

Juventus attacker Alvaro Morata playing for Spain at Euro 2020 — © ProShots

Manchester United have been left scrambling for alternatives after ending their interest in Marko Arnautovic as they look to bolster their frontline.

United made a shock €8 million bid for the ex-West Ham forward but were told by Bologna that the 33-year-old is 'priceless' after netting 14 Serie A goals last season.

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The move was also subject to backlash from fans who pointed out the Austrian's ban for using racist language in 2020, as well as some being underwhelmed by the club's ambition.

With a deal for Arnautovic now being ruled out, reports have suggested United will turn to Atletico Madrid striker Alavaro Morata, after top target Benjamin Sesko agreed to join RB Leipzig.

However, with the future of Cristiano Ronaldo also uncertain, United may be forced into signing multiple forwards and FootballTransfers takes a look at the likely candidates for a move to Old Trafford.

Alvaro Morata

United are believed to have been offered the chance to sign Morata, with the former Chelsea striker entering the final year of his contract with Atletico, although the Spaniard is believed to be uncertain over a move.

Morata spent the last two seasons on loan at Juventus and the Serie A side were keen on making the deal permanent but backed away after Atletico demanded a fee of €35m, which could also price him out of a move to United.

Cody Gakpo (PSV)

Cody Gakpo celebrates scoring against PEC for PSV in the Eredivisie — © ProShots

PSV winger Cody Gakpo is understood to be a target for both United and Arsenal and the 23-year-old could be available for around €35m.

With Gakpo preferring to play on the left wing, the signing could potentially see Marcus Rashford moved up front in the hopes of rejuvenating the England international's goalscoring form.

Sasa Kalajdzic (Stuttgart)

Stuttgart striker Sasa Kalajdzic — © ProShots

United have extensively scouted Stuttgart's Sasa Kalajdzic and the Austrian was previously considered as a replacement for Robert Lewandowski by Bayern Munich.

The 6 foot 7 inches striker has scored 22 goals in the Bundesliga over the last two years and could be available for less than £20m.

Ismaila Sarr (Watford)

Watford winger Ismaila Sarr is thought to also be on United's shortlist, with the Senegalese international seeking a move back to the Premier League.

The 23-year-old scored five times as Watford were relegated last season and the Hornets could demand up to £40m for their record signing.

Jamie Vardy

Wenger: I offered Vardy a lot of money to join Arsenal — © ProShots

Jamie Vardy may be 35-years-old but the Leicester forward still has an eye for goal after scoring 15 times last season and would represent a proven Premier League option up front.

Leicester are looking to extend Vardy's contract, which expires at the end of the season, but Chelsea and United have been linked with a move for the veteran.