Freiburg striker Igor Matanovic would be receptive to joining Manchester United if their interest becomes concrete, according to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke. Arsenal and Chelsea are also keeping tabs on the forward, who reportedly finds the prospect of Premier League football hugely appealing, although a deal is not imminent.
Who Is Igor Matanovic?
The 23-year-old arrived at Freiburg from Eintracht Frankfurt in July 2025. Despite growing up in Germany and playing for them at youth level, he opted to represent Croatia, a nation searching for a long-term centre-forward as Luka Modric nears the end of his career.
He netted 15 goals and provided four assists in 50 appearances last season. This term has started even better, with six goals and two assists in just seven games.
Why Manchester United Make Sense
Joshua Zirkzee has struggled to win over Michael Carrick, and an exit next year looks probable. Matanovic’s physical profile appears better suited to English football, and he could offer a different option to Benjamin Sesko.
Arsenal and Chelsea Also Interested
Arsenal’s interest is logical. Viktor Gyokeres finished 2025/26 strongly but has started this campaign slowly, so another striker to challenge Kai Havertz would be useful.
Chelsea’s interest is more surprising, with Joao Pedro and Danny Welbeck already in place under Xabi Alonso. Even so, the Blues rarely pass up a market opportunity, as the signing of Emmanuel Emegha, now their third-choice striker, shows.
Summer Move Most Likely
Freiburg are reportedly unwilling to sell mid-season and will not entertain January offers, so any deal is expected in the summer window.
In my opinion, Matanovic is a smart, relatively low-risk target for United. His age, form and eagerness to move are all in his favour, though Freiburg’s valuation could be the biggest obstacle if Arsenal and Chelsea push seriously.