Man Utd man with 'a lot of potential' could be sacrificed as Italian media claim swap deal could secure £43m ace
Rasmus Hojlund’s future at Man United is uncertain after what has been a poor season for the Denmark international.
Rasmus Hojlund has struggled at Old Trafford this season, scoring just three goals in 27 Premier League games for the Red Devils despite being their first-choice striker under Ruben Amorim.
His performances have sparked reports that have suggested United are willing to sell Hojlund this summer, and that they have already received interest from Serie A side Napoli, who want to find a replacement for Victor Osimhen.
However, reports in Italy have now suggested that their Serie A rivals are keen to land the 22-year-old Danish international, and could offer Man United a striker in exchange for Hojlund this summer.
Juventus set to offer Vlahovic for Hojlund
As United are set to sign a striker this summer, they have been linked to several top European number nines. One such name is Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic, who looks set to leave the club this summer. Vlahovic has made 37 appearances in all competitions for Juventus this season, scoring 14 goals. The Serbian has shown himself to be one of the best target men in the Italian league this season.
According to a report by Italian outlet Calciomercato, Juventus are considering a swap deal in which they would offer Vlahovic to United in exchange for Hojlund. It says that the Old Lady are looking to use Vlahovic to sign their transfer targets this summer as they aren’t in a great place financially.
The Serbian is on a wage of over £200,000 per week, and so Juventus are keen to cash in on him, and replace him with someone else - Hojlund being one of those names. If Juventus sell Vlahovic direct, they are said to want £43m for him.
The report also says that if they don’t offer Vlahovic for Hojlund, they will approach Newcastle United as they want to sign star midfielder Sandro Tonali. The Magpies have been linked to Vlahovic, but only as a replacement for Alexander Isak, should he be sold this summer.
Arsenal have also been linked to Vlahovic as they aim to sign a number nine. However, the Gunners are more likely to prioritise other targets such as Viktor Gyokeres, Matheus Cunha or Benjamin Sesko.
Amorim was previously supportive of Hojlund’s development
As Hojlund has struggled to find the net this season for United, many have criticised the striker for his performances, but Ruben Amorim has previously said that Hojlund’s form is the fault of the team rather than him.
He said in February: “I think it’s clear: we as a team, we are not helping Rasmus. We don’t create a lot of chances. We have a lack of threat and you can feel it in the game. Sometimes, we are like in the final third but you don’t feel like we are a very dangerous team.
“I think Rasmus has a lot of potential. I think if we improve the way we play the game, he will have more opportunities to score. We have to look at Rasmus as a player. He has the pace, he has the technique. He’s scored some goals that are really hard to score.”
However, despite Amorim’s praise for Hojlund earlier in the season, United are expected to sell him as his form hasn’t improved, assuming that they can find a buyer that is prepared to offer enough for the 22-year-old.