The transfer of a Manchester United striker has taken a giant leap forward after the player’s club identified an Arsenal target dubbed the “new Haaland” as his direct replacement, according to a report.
This summer, a new center forward is the top priority at Old Trafford. Harry Kane of Tottenham and Victor Osimhen of Napoli are believed to be Erik ten Hag and United’s primary recruitment targets.
Both players could cost more than £100m, and both Tottenham and Napoli have a reputation for being tough negotiators.
Kane would have the advantage of having Premier League experience. However, Osimhen is five years younger and may be the superior investment for the long term.
Now, a report from the Italian publication Calciomercato has given Manchester United a significant boost in their pursuit of Osimhen.
They reiterate that Napoli are hesitant to part with their lethal forward, but are preparing for his sale regardless.
The report explains that Napoli has begun scouting for Osimhen’s replacement and has settled on an Arsenal-targeted striker.
Rasmus Hojlund, a striker for Atalanta, is the individual in question. The 20-year-old Danish international has been dubbed the “new Haaland” after scoring a hat-trick in Denmark’s Euro 2024 qualifying match against Finland on Friday night.
Hojlund scored 17 goals for club and country this season, bringing his total to 17 goals. TuttoAtalanta reported that Arsenal and Newcastle were both prepared to offer €50m (approximately £44m) for Hojlund this summer.
However, if Napoli approve an Osimhen transfer to Manchester United, Luciano Spalletti’s squad will be in the market for a new striker and have the financial resources to compete with English clubs.
According to Calcio, everyone in Naples agrees that Hojlund is the ideal player to replace Osimhen. Corriere dello Sport then confirms that Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis favors the Dane.
Calcio acknowledge that “English clubs” have been scouting Hojlund. However, if Manchester United submits a “super offer” for Osimhen, Napoli “already know” who will fill the void, according to the report.
Haaland “touch and go” for Man City return vs. Liverpool
Erling Haaland’s status is uncertain owing to a groin injury, and Liverpool’s next game is in eight days against Manchester City.
Haaland was scheduled to play for Norway in their Euro 2024 qualifiers this month, but he withdrew owing to a groin injury, which was announced 12 days prior to Liverpool’s April 1 visit.
A few days later, Alfie’s father discussed his son’s journey to Barcelona for specialized treatment, as well as the potential necessity to “gamble” on Haaland when domestic action resumes.
Alfie Haaland was quoted by the Times as saying, “Manchester City has a partnership with a facility in Barcelona, so he has undergone additional tests and treatment there.”
Now he has been in Marbella for a few days with the club’s physiotherapist.
“Firstly, I’m not a doctor, and secondly, I believe it’s a close call. You cannot go without training for two weeks and then immediately engage in a fight. There must be development there.
“They can gamble on it, but he won’t play if he doesn’t receive proper training with the team.
“Everything depends on how he reacts to treatment in the next days. He requires extensive care.”
Despite his father’s assertion that it will be “touch and go,” Liverpool supporters believe it is unlikely he will miss the Reds’ visit after being allowed time to heal during the breɑk.
This season, Haaland has missed only two games due to injury, at the end of October and beginning of November, and has played in 37 of City’s 43 games, scoring 42 goals.
Liverpool, on the other hand, will be hopeful that Darwin Nunez will play following his international absence due to an ankle injury, and Luis Diaz could return to the team as well.
Cody Gakpo withdrew due to illness, although it is anticipated that he will have recovered by the time the team travels to Etihad.
