Man Utd tipped to beat Arsenal to ‘next Haaland’ as ‘concrete’ interest sees striker ‘flirt’ over Red Devils transfer

Manchester United are seemingly well ahead of Arsenal in the race to sign a talented striker already being billed by many as the next Erling Haaland following suggestions the player is open to a move to Old Trafford.

Both the Gunners and United are enjoying excellent seasons perhaps far in excess of original expectations. Indeed, they sit first and third, respectively in the Premier League with Arsenal well placed to win a first league title since 2004.

United, meanwhile, already have a trophy in the bag having lifted the Carabao Cup. And they could yet make it a trophy treble with Erik ten Hag’s side through to the FA Cup semi-finals and the last eight of Europa League.

As a result, both sides are seemingly preparing for a busy summer of spending as they prepare to embark on returns to the Champions League.

Both sides will have fairly hefty kitties at their disposal, opening up the possbility of some of Europe’s elite stars moving to either Premier League duo.

United’s major aim this summer is on signing a new No 9 to lead what they hope will be a title charge next season. To that end, Victor Osimhen, Harry Kane and Goncalo Ramos are all reportedly targets.

And United’s hopes of signing Napoli frontman Osimhen are gathering pace amid claims Napoli are open to his sale thanks to a current Chelsea man.

However, a new option in Serie A appears to be opening up to United in the shape of Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund.

The 20-year-old is enjoying an excellent season with in Serie A, having scored eight times in 25 appearances.

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Rasmus Hojlund fancies move to Man Utd

And he has underlined his growing reputation with a brilliant hat-trick for Denmark during a 3-1 win Finland on Thursday.

Now the race for his services is heating up with Hojlund drawing comparisons to Man City goal machine Erling Haaland.

That chase is seemingly being led by Arsenal, while reports this week are also linking Newcastle with his signature.

However, reports now claim United are ready to enter the hunt for his signature.

And with a £44m (€50m) exit clause in his deal, talk of a move to the Premier League is gathering pace.

According to Ekstra Bladet, Manchester United have a ‘concrete interest’ in bring Hojlund to Old Trafford.

Furthermore, they seemingly have a major advantage over Arsenal and Newcastle in the race.

That’s with the Danish outlet claiming Hojlund is very much open to the transfer and is already ‘flirting’ with the Red Devils.

Indeed, regurgitating comments the striker made in January, Hojlund has already outed himself as a Man Utd fan.

“Now that you ask, I will not hide the fact that I am a huge Manchester United fan,” he said.

“So personally, it would be one of the biggest things for me.”

Keeping an open mind, though, Hojlund added: “Of course that doesn’t mean that I would turn down other big clubs if the offers come at some point.”

Interest within Italy also growing in Hojlund

Like Haaland, who first moved to Borusia Dortmund before his move to Man City, though, there is also the school of thought that says a Premier League move now could come too soon for Hojlund.

Still only 20, Ekstra Bladet claims there is also strong competition from clubs within Italy for Hojlund. And the likes of Inter Milan, AC Milan and Juventus are all said to be ‘greatly impressed’ with Hojlund’s development this season.

Atalanta snapped up the striker for a bargain £15m (€17m) from Sturm Graz in the summer. Now they look set to make an instant profit on the player, though the Danish reports claim a move could go through for lower than his exit clause.

Indeed, they put his price at nearer the £31m (€35m) mark Atalanta happy to double their initial investment after just one year.

All eyes will be on the player when Denmark face Kazakkstan in their latest Euro 2024 qualifier on Sunday.

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