It promises to be a big summer at Old Trafford as Manchester United are poised to flex their financial muscle in the transfer market and make major changes to their squad. Finishing in the top four was just the beginning of Louis Van Gaal’s objective to restore the club’s place as title contenders, but their efforts to bring in high-profile names may result in a number of players leaving the club. Robin Van Persie is one player who may be allowed to move onto pastures new, particularly after the 31-year-old endured a difficult season through a loss of form and number of injuries. He appears a shadow of the player who was outstanding in front of goal as Manchester United stormed to their 20th league title in 2013, but although he shares a good working relationship with fellow Dutchman Van Gaal, it appears his days at Old Trafford are numbered. Having money to burn may help Manchester United to attract the very best strikers to the club, and while one target, highly-rated Paulo Dybala, has moved to Juventus for just over £23 million, there are other who remain firmly on their radar.
Edinson Cavani
Trying to tempt any player to leave Paris Saint-Germain is certainly easier said than done, but in Edinson Cavani’s case, his continual frustration at being played out wide and playing second fiddle to Zlatan Ibrahimovic may result in him seeking a move away from the French capital. The Uruguayan has proven himself as one of the best strikers in Europe, but as his move to the Ligue 1 champions has not been as productive as many expected, a move to Manchester United is certainly not beyond the realms of possibility. Van Gaal may have to spend big money to encourage Laurent Blanc to sell one of his prized assets, but with Paris Saint-Germain potentially running into trouble with Financial Fair Play rules, Cavani presents himself as a top quality striker that Manchester United could sign this summer.
Alexandre Lacazette
Alexandre Lacazette has always shown signs of promising into one of the best strikers in Europe, but although there were fears that the Lyon strikers would never fulfil his true potential, the 24-year-old has really come to the fore in some style. He is now one of the most sought-after young strikers due to his power, speed and goal-scoring ability – Lacazette registered 23 goals as he single-handedly fired Lyon towards finishing runners-up behind Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1. There are suggestions that it would take just £20 million for Lyon to sell their top striker, and while Manchester United fans may expect the club to break the bank even further, Lacazette would be a superb signing.
Karim Benzema
Manchester United have been trying to bring Karim Benzema to Old Trafford for the last six years ever since Sir Alex Ferguson’s desperate attempts to sign the Frenchman in 2009, and he is the name on many fans’ lips once again. A fantastic goal-scoring record of 133 goals from 188 appearances for Real Madrid illustrates just how lethal Benzema is in front of goal – something that Manchester United, through Van Persie and Radamel Falcao, were lacking last season. New Real Madrid manager Rafa Benitez is highly unlikely to want to part with Benzema, but their strong pursuit of David De Gea may work in Manchester United’s favourite; if they can manage to include Benzema in any deal, then it would certainly soften the blow of losing one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League.
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