Manchester United is determined to secure the signature of Rasmus Hojlund, a young prodigy who has caught the attention of major clubs this summer, including West Ham United. The relentless pursuit could spell disappointment for the Hammers as the Red Devils appear to be leading the chase for the promising Atalanta striker.
According to Corriere di Bergamo, Manchester United is pulling out all the stops to win over Hojlund. Despite a rejected bid of €46 million (£40 million), United remains undeterred, increasing the offer for the 20-year-old sensation. The Italian club is holding out for a more lucrative deal, reportedly closer to €60 million (£51 million).
The Danish striker has seen his stock rise significantly after showcasing a stellar performance in the last season. In 34 appearances for Atalanta, Hojlund notched up 10 goals and four assists, impressing scouts with his pace, strength, and precision in front of the goal.
Labelled an 'elite' talent by Manchester Evening News, Hojlund's skills seem to align well with the demands of the Premier League. Standing at 6ft 1in, his physicality belies his age, and his sublime finishing ability sets him apart as a potential star.
The pursuit of Hojlund has been a significant talking point for West Ham United. David Moyes, the Hammers' boss, expressed his interest in adding the young forward to his squad. Hojlund's potential arrival at the London Stadium would be a massive boost for the team. However, with Manchester United intensifying their efforts, West Ham's plan to land the young Dane seems increasingly unlikely.
Hojlund's debut in Serie A last season came after a move from Sturm Graz. He has shown a great deal of promise and has drawn comparisons to Erling Braut Haaland due to his similar attributes-left-footed, physically strong, and an effective finisher with pace.
Even though he's still relatively new to the top-tier competition, Hojlund has already displayed significant potential to become a leading striker in the coming seasons. His career trajectory so far seems to be on an upward curve, making him a hot commodity in this summer's transfer market.
Atalanta's steadfast valuation of Hojlund puts the ball in Manchester United's court. To close the €14 million gap, United may need to get creative with negotiations, potentially incorporating add-ons to lower the fixed fee. But if their unrelenting interest is any indication, they are prepared to go the distance to bring this 'elite' talent to Old Trafford.