Manchester United considered shock move for Arsenal talent before focusing on Atalanta forward

Manchester United considered a shock move for an Arsenal talent before focusing their attentions on Atalanta forward Rasmus Hojlund, according to reports.

Erik ten Hag is desperate to sign a new striker this summer and United are increasingly confident of bringing Hojlund to Old Trafford.

Manchester United are willing to pay around £60m for Hojlund, who is viewed as one of the most highly-rated players in Europe despite scoring just 10 goals for Atalanta.

Harry Kane

Ten Hag made signing a new striker one of his priorities for the summer after releasing Cristiano Ronaldo last year and relying on Burnley loanee Wout Weghorst for much of the 2022-23 season.

Manchester United revived their interest in Tottenham captain Harry Kane at the start of the summer but have seemingly withdrawn from the race as they do not expect Spurs to sell the England hero.

Tottenham have in fact come around to the idea of selling Kane but Bayern Munich are leading the race to secure his signature as United work on a deal for Hojlund.

Folarin Balogun

While the Denmark ace looks set to lead the line for Manchester United next season, The Independent say Arsenal’s Folarin Balogun was also identified as a possible target earlier in the window.

Balogun is expected to leave Arsenal this summer and is not short of suitors after banging 22 goals in 39 games on loan at Ligue 1 side Reims last season.

It is claimed United held interest in the USA international but turned their attentions to Hojlund as they did not believe a deal with Arsenal was realistic.

Inter Milan are at the front of the queue to sign Balogun, though Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta recently said he wanted to have a look at the 22-year-old during pre-season.

Third Summer Signing

If Hojlund completes a move to Manchester United he will become Ten Hag’s third summer signing following England midfielder Mason Mount and Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana.

The Red Devils enjoyed a largely promising first season under Ten Hag, finishing third in the Premier League and winning the League Cup.

Conclusion

Manchester United have been linked with a number of strikers this summer, including Arsenal’s Folarin Balogun, but it appears that their focus has shifted to Atalanta forward Rasmus Hojlund. The Red Devils are reportedly willing to pay around £60m for Hojlund, who would become Ten Hag’s third summer signing if the deal goes through. It remains to be seen whether Balogun will stay at Arsenal or move elsewhere, but one thing is certain: Manchester United are determined to sign a new striker this summer.