United and Arsenal lock horns in transfer battle for 22-goal Brazilian assassin – report

A striker signing is not being ruled out at Manchester United. After spending £73.7 million last summer to sign Benjamin Sesko, one of the finest up-and-coming strikers Europe has to offer, it does not make sense to spend significant sums on the position again. That is especially true given how Sesko has proven he is worthy of leading the Red Devils’ attack. Why sign a striker? However, there are reasons why a striker signing is necessary. Rasmus Hojlund has finally been sold, with Napoli triggering the £38 million agreement to turn his loan into a permanent transfer. There is also talk that Joshua Zirkzee might finally seal a move away from Old Trafford. The Dutch striker has been linked with a departure over the last two transfer windows, and he may now get that move. With that double striker exit, a signing up top suddenly makes sense. Interestingly, it is now being reported that INEOS could look to bring the second-deadliest Premier League striker to Old Trafford. Erling Haaland may have won the Premier League Golden Boot, but as he chased it, Brentford’s Brazilian striker gave him a real run for his money. The Manchester City star’s 27 league goals were only four more than Thiago’s, and considering the vast difference in quality between the clubs they play for, you begin to appreciate just what the Bees striker achieved. Apart from Haaland, Igor was the best Premier League striker last season. Igor Thiago: Man United and Arsenal links The 20-time English champions want him, but as INEOS weighs up the conditions of striking a deal, a worrying report has emerged. According to Rtie Sporte, United have been joined by champions Arsenal in the race for the Samba star. On that, they report: “The 24-year-old centre-forward is seen as one of the main options to reinforce the offensive sector of the team managed by Mikel Arteta. The Spaniard considers the Brazilian a player capable of raising the technical level of the Gunners’ attack. “Manchester United is also monitoring the player’s situation and remains interested in signing him.” Summer 2025 deja vu Keen to inject goals into their attack, if true, an Arsenal-United battle for Thiago would be fierce, and it would give fans a sense of déjà vu from last summer, when the two sides went toe-to-toe for Viktor Gyokeres. United fans will be hoping they come out on top this time, and that Matheus Cunha, Ederson and Casemiro can sway their compatriot towards Manchester. Haaland at City, Thiago and Sesko at United, the 2026-27 Premier League Golden Boot may change destinations, but it may not leave Manchester. Featured image George Wood via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Daniel Onguko Dan is a writer with The Peoples Person, an avid Manchester United fan whose passion for the Red Devils evolved into writing about them. He was introduced to United back in 2008, and his love for the club has continued to grow ever since. Like every other United fan, he believes the club will soon return to its rightful place and strives to reflect that belief in his writing. While he has also written about other Premier League sides, including Arsenal for Just Arsenal and The Arsenal Analysis Blogspot, Dan lives and breathes Manchester United.