Man Utd want to beat Chelsea to striker signing, £10m-a-year wage not an issue

da bet7： Manchester United and Chelsea are reportedly battling to complete the signing of “one of the strongest forwards in Europe” in 2026, with his big wages not a problem for either side.

Rooney impressed with Mbeumo at Man Utd

da bet7： The Red Devils’ start to the season has been flawed, with not all of their new signings hitting the ground running, but Bryan Mbeumo has made an encouraging start to life at Old Trafford.

One player who has been impressed by the Cameroonian’s performances in a United shirt is Wayne Rooney, who admitted as much on The Wayne Rooney Show.

“He looks like the type of character who would be fine with it (going back to his old club). I think he’s been a real positive for Man United this season. I think his energy, his running off the ball, his commitment, he’s scored a couple of goals, he could have had more.

“So I’ve been really happy. I think he’s been, out of all the signings, the most positive one. And he looks like someone who will just take it in his stride. So, yeah, I think he’ll be ok. It’s not always easy when you go back.”

While Mbeumo has been joined by Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko at United this summer, another attacking player is now being mentioned as a transfer target for them.

Man Utd battling Chelsea for soon-to-be free agent

According to Gazzetta dello Sport [via Sport Witness], Manchester United are interested in signing Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, who is on course to become a free agent in 2026.

The Red Devils will reportedly have no issue paying the Serb’s £10m-a-year wages, with Chelsea also keen on acquiring his signature, and Juve could cash in on him in the January transfer window, rather than lose him for nothing.

Vlahovic is an outstanding striker who has proven himself over an extended period, being hailed by his former manager Cesare Prandelli earlier this week.

“Dusan has shown great professionalism. He has endured everything. His goals reflect his inner balance. For me, he is a champion. I’d like to see him score even more – he is one of the strongest forwards in Europe.”

Dusan Vlahovic’s key career stats

Appearances

Goals

Juventus

150

62

Fiorentina

108

49

Partizan Belgrade

27

3

Serbia

38

15

Vlahovic has all the tools to be a big hit for United, from physicality to expert finishing, but the one question mark against them signing him is whether it would stunt Sesko’s growth at Old Trafford.

The 22-year-old Slovenian is still adjusting to life with the Red Devils, but there needs to be a point where United show faith in a striker and stick with him, having loaned Rasmus Hojlund out to Napoli for the 2025/26 season.

That said, strong depth is never a bad thing, and the club needs to be ruthless, so if Sesko doesn’t enjoy a big first year at Old Trafford, a move for Vlahovic could make perfect sense.