Manchester United transfer news: Another Serie A club joins race for Hojlund

Manchester United transfer news: Another Serie A club joins race for Hojlund
Manchester United's Rasmus Hojlund after the Premier League match at Old Trafford, Manchester. Picture date: Tuesday December 26, 2023. - Photo by Icon sport - Photo by Icon Sport

Rasmus Hojlund wants to remain at Manchester United, but the potential arrival of Benjamin Sesko could bring his time at Old Trafford to a premature end. AC Milan, who are in the market for a centre-forward, are reportedly keeping a close eye on the situation.

The 22-year-old has experienced a mixed spell in England, but previously impressed during his time in Serie A with Atalanta. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan are monitoring developments and could formalise their interest if a deal for top target Dusan Vlahovic fails to materialise.

The Italian outlet reports that the Rossoneri are prepared to be patient in their search for a new striker, with limited flexibility in the current transfer window. Vlahovic, currently at Juventus, would only be allowed to leave if the Bianconeri are open to strengthening a direct rival.

Should Juventus succeed in signing Jonathan David, it could encourage Vlahovic to consider a move away. However, Milan would still need to match the Serbian’s wage demands.

Who is the best striker for Milan: Hojlund or Vlahovic?

Dusan Vlahovic transfer
Vlahovic on Chelsea's radar? – Photo by IMAGO

With just under a month remaining in the summer transfer window, Milan face a key decision. Vlahovic, aged 25, is more established in Italian football and has a proven track record in Serie A. He is therefore considered Milan’s ‘Plan A’ as they seek to bolster their frontline.

Massimiliano Allegri knows Vlahovic well, having played a key role in his development at Juventus. Under Allegri, the striker recorded his best form in Turin, scoring 41 goals and registering 10 assists in 99 appearances.

However, the former Fiorentina forward struggled for consistency under Thiago Motta and Igor Tudor. His role diminished during the 2024-25 season, and he was no longer regarded as an indispensable member of the squad.

Hojlund’s situation is somewhat different. He joined Manchester United in 2023 following a one-year spell at Atalanta, where he netted 10 goals and provided four assists in 34 matches.

The instability at Old Trafford did little to aid his development. Although he gradually earned more minutes under Erik ten Hag, he struggled to deliver consistently. The pressure mounted as the season progressed.

During his debut campaign, Hojlund was involved in 18 goals across 43 appearances. However, he registered only 14 goal involvements in 52 games the following season.

Both players would arrive at San Siro with something to prove, but they offer contrasting profiles. Vlahovic is a more traditional number nine—tall, strong in the air and with the ball at his feet—who could thrive alongside the likes of Rafael Leao.

Hojlund, by contrast, is less dominant aerially but offers intelligent movement and finishing. He often drifts into wider areas and contributes to build-up play—attributes partly shaped by United’s tactical demands. His pace and mobility also make him a potential asset on the counter-attack.

This article was originally published on Trivela.


Editorial manager and football enthusiast, Axel stays on top of all the key football news, even if he maintains a particular attachment to clubs in the North of France - from Lens to Lille via Dunkirk - since he no longer lives there.