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By Nadji Grizzle
Posted on 19 August 2025, 16:15
Napoli identify Manchester United duo as potential Lukaku replacements - Manchester United
Napoli have added Manchester United strikers Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund to their shortlist of strikers to replace the injured Romelu Lukaku. Lukaku suffered an injury during a hotly contested preseason friendly with Olympiacos, and is expected to spend three months on the sidelines.
The Italian champions are now considering several options to replace their star forward, with the Manchester United duo at the top of the list. Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport has reported that Napoli appreciate many different profiles of players and are searching for a player that can not only replace Lukaku in the short term but also lead the line in the future.
They add that Hojlund is perhaps the first name on the wish list, but Napoli would face competition from AC Milan who have previously enquired about the player and would most likely lead the line of suitors. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported however that Napoli have only held direct talks with United over Hojlund not Zirkzee.
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Napoli have asked United about the conditions for a loan for Hojlund. The pair have come under increased scrutiny following United’s horror campaign last season.
The Red Devils suffered their worst ever campaign, finishing 15th and scoring just 44 goals. Hojlund and Zirkzee combined for just seven of those goals, scoring four and three respectively.
The arrivals of Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo have pushed the pair down further down the pecking order.
Hojlund, Zirkzee both on Napoli wish list
Despite this, Romano adds that United want to keep Zirkzee, with Amorim making his plan clear to the club. Zirkzee was an unused substitute for United’s narrow 1-0 loss to Arsenal in their season opener on Sunday.
He joined the club from Italian side Bologna last summer and has so far struggled to make an impact at Old Trafford. He scored just three goals in 32 Premier League appearances last season.
Hojlund was omitted from the matchday squad all together, casting further doubt on his future with the club. He too has struggled for impact at the club after impressing in Serie A with Atalanta.
He has been heavily linked with moves to AC Milan and Fulham and United are believed to be keen to sell the player to recoup some of the transfer outlay from this summer’s dealings.
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