Manchester United are seriously considering a move to sign Inter Milan star Pio Esposito this summer to bolster their attacking options, according to Caught Offside.
The Red Devils splashed over £200m on deals to sign Matheu Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko last summer, but also saw all of Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Hojlund, Alejandro Garnacho, and Jadon Sancho depart, meaning they still have space for new recruits to help them strengthen.
With suggestions that Joshua Zirkzee could depart this summer in order to play more regular first-team football, a new striker is considered to be high up on the priority list, and the young forward has emerged as a target.
Man Utd Eyeing Move for Esposito
Inter Milan's Francesco Pio Esposito celebrates
Esposito, who has been described as 'incredible' by Gennaro Gattuso, has had a fine maiden campaign in the Inter first-team, netting eight goals and registering five assists to help them reclaim the Serie A title.
United are keen to add a new striker to the squad to take some of the load off Sesko, who has had a mixed campaign in his first season at Old Trafford since joining from RB Leipzig. Esposito's performances and the need for a new striker have led United to take a close look at the 20-year-old.
However, after making an initial enquiry about a potential move for the young Italian, Inter made it abundantly clear that they will not entertain any negotiations for the player, and they see him as the future of their club.
Despite that, it's understood that Man Utd are planning to continue monitoring the player going forward, in case that changes or they decide that they want to make a move regardless of Inter's stance.
Inter are confident that their academy graduate is going to be the future of Italian football, and as of right now, they are intent on keeping hold of him.
Esposito Could Be Shrewd Addition
Benjamin Sesko
Benjamin Sesko
While Sesko is someone who is viewed as the future at Man Utd, he is also capable of being the main man right now, so long as he has the right support network around him.
A young forward like Esposito, who has experience at the highest level and has a bit of everything to his game would be an ideal player to provide competition and depth for the position.
With Inter adamant they won't sell though, GIVEMESPORT asked ChatGPT to suggest players of a similar profile that United could sign instead, and this was its response:
Santiago Giménez – Physical box striker, strong finishing, thrives on crosses and hold-up play.
Evan Ferguson – Classic centre-forward: strength, movement, link-up, aerial threat.
Viktor Gyökeres – Powerful striker; hold-up ability and runs behind.
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