Leeds United striker alternatives identified amid £56m transfer issue

Leeds United Still Eye Rodrigo Muniz, But Atalanta’s Interest Complicates Matters

Leeds United remain keen on signing Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz if the opportunity arises, but growing interest from Serie A side Atalanta could make any deal more challenging.

Manager Daniel Farke has been vocal about the need to add Premier League-level quality to Leeds’ attacking options. As it stands, the club are relying on the same core group that helped win promotion from the Championship—minus Manor Solomon and with the addition of Lukas Nmecha, who joined on a free transfer from Wolfsburg.

Despite Nmecha’s encouraging pre-season performances, Leeds still lack a marquee striker—something they attempted to address in June with a £32 million bid for Muniz, which Fulham rejected.

Leeds haven’t given up hope, but now face fresh competition from Atalanta, who are reportedly interested in the Brazilian forward as a replacement for Mateo Retegui, recently sold to a Saudi Arabian club for £56 million.

If Leeds lose out on Muniz to a Champions League-level club yet again, they’ll be forced to explore other options. Here are three potential alternatives who could bring similar attributes to what Muniz offers:

1. Ermedin Demirovic – Stuttgart

A realistic target could be Stuttgart’s Ermedin Demirovic, especially given Farke’s tendency to focus on Bundesliga-based players.

The Bosnia international enjoyed a standout debut season in Germany, scoring 17 goals and providing six assists across all competitions—effectively filling the gap left by Serhou Guirassy.

Standing at 6’1″, Demirovic is a strong presser and physically imposing, offering comparable expected goals (xG) output and chance creation to Muniz, according to DataMB.

Having joined Stuttgart for £18.25 million a year ago, he would likely command a similar fee now, but would bring proven quality to lead Leeds’ attack.

2. Tolu Arokodare – Genk

For a more cost-effective option, Leeds could look to Genk’s Tolu Arokodare. The towering 6’6” Nigerian striker had an impressive season with 23 goals and seven assists in all competitions.

At 24, Arokodare is still developing and attracting attention from several Premier League clubs.

While it’s unclear how much Genk would demand for his transfer, his fee is unlikely to exceed Leeds’ initial £32 million bid for Muniz—making him a potentially smart investment.

3. Emanuel Emegha – Strasbourg

A more ambitious target could be Emanuel Emegha of Strasbourg. Leeds have already shown interest in Strasbourg talent this summer—making a bid for Habib Diarra and eyeing winger Dilane Bakwa—and Emegha could be another name on their radar.

At 6’5”, Emegha brings explosive pace and athleticism, aligning with Leeds’ recruitment strategy. He scored 14 goals and contributed three assists in Ligue 1 last season, positioning himself for a major move.

Chelsea have also been linked, with The Telegraph’s Matt Law suggesting the Blues may be planning an early move to secure him at a cut-price fee. Law stated on the London is Blue podcast:

“I was told by someone connected to Strasbourg that they believe this guy could become a €50m+ striker. Chelsea could probably get him now for around €25m (£22m), but in a year, that might rise to €40m (£35m).”

Emegha represents both a short-term boost and long-term investment opportunity.

With Muniz potentially slipping out of reach, these three names could give Leeds the firepower they need to stay competitive in the Premier League.