Manchester United & Arsenal target Belgian wonderkid as Liverpool ‘consider’ £43.5m January transferplaceholder image
Manchester United & Arsenal target Belgian wonderkid as Liverpool ‘consider’ £43.5m January transfer | Getty Images
Man United are reportedly looking to add more firepower in attack alongside Benjamin Sesko.
Manchester United’s striker position has been a big talking point over the last year at Old Trafford as Rasmus Hojlund really struggled for form during his time with the Red Devils. The Danish international scored just four Premier League goals last season, and so United let him leave in the summer to join Napoli.
However, United’s options behind Sesko aren’t great, with reports suggesting that Joshua Zirkzee could leave Old Trafford in January in search of more game time. So, the Red Devils could sign a new striker to challenge Sesko for that number nine spot.
Man United shortlist Mateo Retegui
Italian international Mateo Retegui was a man in demand in the summer transfer window. Premier League rivals Arsenal were briefly linked with him; however, he ended up making a move from Serie A side Atalanta to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah for £59m.
It now seems that he could be leaving the Saudi club after just a short spell there, as reports indicate that Man United are interested in the 26-year-old. According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, United have shortlisted Retegui over a potential January deal to strengthen their forward line.
Since joining Al-Qadsiah, Retegui has scored three goals in four league games. It comes after a season where he netted 28 goals and nine assists in 49 games for Atalanta; he was the top scorer in the Serie A.
Former Italy coach Luciano Spalletti has hailed Retegui as a top-class striker in terms of his goal-scoring instinct. He was quoted in Football Italia: “He’s a strong footballer and a rigorous lad.
“He is deadly inside the box and has learned how to properly link up with the team. He will become a top player. He’s entering the dynamics of a professional footballer. He’s less individualistic, and he’s perfect now.”
Retegui could replace Zirkzee
If Man United do look to sign a striker in the January transfer window, he could replace Zirkzee, who is a genuine candidate to leave the club just a year-and-a-half after joining at Old Trafford from Bologna in Italy.
Other than West Ham, several clubs in Serie A have reportedly expressed an interest in signing the 24-year-old, whether that will be on a loan deal or a permanent transfer remains to be seen.
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