It's no secret Manchester United They have been crying out for a new striker in recent weeks, with none of the good options at Old Trafford doing the job in the final third.
Joshua Zirkzee He arrived this summer with expectations of a boost to the attack, giving fans reason to be excited after scoring on his debut against Fulham.
However, the Dutchman has only done so since then He scored two goals in his next 19 matches in Premier Leagueafter which he had to resort to a place on the bench.
As for Rasmus Hoglund, he has been the first choice at the top of the pitch, starting each of the last four matches, but Failure to register at any From those outings.
Like Zirkzee, he has been disappointing throughout the 2024/25 season, which could lead to other options being explored.
Manchester United are preparing to make a £25 million bid for the talent
According to what was reported by the Italian website Internews08. Man United are serious about signing Inter Milan striker Francesco Pio Esposito and INEOS are ready to make an offer for the player.
The 19-year-old is currently spending the season on loan at Serie B side Spezia, playing a starring role with increased playing time. He scored nine times In his first 18 matches with the club.
The report claims that Milan will not consider any offers below €30m (£25m) for the youngster, with the Red Devils potentially having to settle a deal for Esposito in the summer rather than January.
It also states that they have no intention of letting him leave San Siro, but the prospect of leading the line for United could be an opportunity that might be difficult to turn down.
Such a move could allow the boss Reuben Amorim For a potential star who could end one player's career at Old Trafford, potentially seeing him follow in the footsteps of another.
Why would Esposito be a good fit for Manchester United?
Any move for Esposito could push Zirkzee down the pecking order, which could see the Netherlands international exit to allow him to get valuable playing time elsewhere.
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It is unfortunate that the move did not work out for either party, but unfortunately, it is clear that he is not at the level required for Amorim and his 3-4-2-1 system.
However, any deal for the young Italian could be an exciting prospect for the fanbase, signing a talent who has already shown his qualities with plenty of potential for improvement in the future.
Esposito is complete 2.7 progressive passes per 90 in the Second Division this season, along with 7.1 touches in the opposition penalty area – leading to talent scout Jacek Kulig describing him as “Great talent“.
|
Statistics of Francesco Pio Esposito with Spezia (2024/25) |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistics (per 90) |
outcome |
|
Games played |
19 |
|
Goals were scored |
9 |
|
Progressive passes |
2.7 |
|
Touches into the opposition box |
7.1 |
|
Antennas won |
5.7 |
|
Air success rate |
53% |
|
The footage was taken |
3.4 |
|
Snapshot creation procedures |
3.1 |
|
Statistics via FBref |
|
He has also won 5.7 aerial passes per 90, while also managing 3.4 shots per game, highlighting his quality in attacking areas, with Coleg previously claiming that He's a similar player For the former United ace Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Such a comparison is a huge statement given the Swede's impressive career at the highest level, with United undoubtedly signing a player with the skills to thrive and follow in his footsteps.
However, the Italian has a massive 6ft 2 frame similar to Zlatan's, with his ability in the air and knack for creating a moment of magic certainly something that could impress fans.
A move for a youngster would undoubtedly be a risk, especially with the £25m fee, but it is clear from his numbers that he possesses a huge amount of quality that could be useful for Amorim.
Many will no doubt want him to move to England this month given the aforementioned lack of form in the 2024/25 season – dragging down their standing in the league.
However, it is a risk worth taking, and they would likely get Esposito for a good price if they can offload Zirkzee – with the former Bologna man desperate for a move to reignite his promising career.
